At around 12:00 a.m. local time on December 12, the Thai government's official gazette website released an announcement stating that King Vajiralongkorn of Thailand had approved Prime Minister Anutin's request to dissolve the House of Representatives of the Thai Parliament.
According to the announcement, Anutin stated in his request that this government is a minority government composed of multiple parties. Faced with multiple uncertainties in economic, social, political, international relations, and global geopolitical issues, as well as the volatile situation at the Thai-Cambodian border, the government has found it difficult to continue to operate national affairs effectively, stably, and sustainably. The appropriate solution is to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold new elections.
From December 10 to 11, the Thai Parliament's two chambers reviewed and voted on the constitutional amendment draft, but the final draft failed to pass. The opposition People's Party decided to convene its members on the 12th to propose a vote of no confidence against Anutin's government.
Anutin wrote on his personal Facebook (Facebook) on the evening of the 11th: "I request to return power to the Thai people." The Thai government's account on X platform stated that Anutin had formally submitted a request to the King to dissolve the lower house, and pointed out: "If approved, the election must be held within 45 to 60 days, no later than February 8, 2026."
"I request to return power to the Thai people" Facebook
According to the Thai Constitution, after the dissolution of the lower house, elections must be held within 45 to 60 days. The current government will continue to serve as a caretaker government until the new government is formed.
According to reports by Reuters and other media outlets, in late September this year, after former Prime Minister Paetongtarn was removed from office, Anutin reached a commitment with the largest opposition party, the People's Party, during coalition negotiations, which was to dissolve the Parliament within four months in exchange for support. With the support of the People's Party, Anutin was able to form a minority government and stated that he would dissolve the lower house by the end of January next year, with elections expected to be held between March and April.
However, since late November, Anutin and his party, the Pheu Thai Party, have faced strong criticism for their inadequate response to the severe floods in Hatyai City, Songkhla Province, which have resulted in 145 deaths. In addition, the tense situation at the Thai-Cambodian border has continued, and the domestic political atmosphere has become sensitive.
Previously, Anutin had also publicly stated that if a vote of no confidence emerged, he might dissolve the lower house early, rather than waiting until the original planned date of the end of January 2026.
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Original: toutiao.com/article/7582767610706543142/
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