Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dissolved parliament and announced snap elections amid growing political instability triggered by recent clashes along the country’s border with Cambodia.
The decision comes as tensions escalated over the past week following border skirmishes, which have deepened uncertainty within the country’s political landscape. According to international media outlet BBC, Prime Minister Charnvirakul stated that new elections will be held within 45 to 60 days.
In a public announcement made on Friday, the prime minister said his minority government, which took office three months ago, has been unable to effectively manage mounting challenges in the border regions, prompting the decision to dissolve parliament.
“The appropriate solution is to dissolve parliament… This opens the path for political authority to be returned to the hands of the people,” he said. Anutin Charnvirakul, who comes from a business background, became Thailand’s prime minister in August 2023.
After assuming office in September, he had previously indicated that parliament would be dissolved by the end of January. However, facing an imminent no-confidence motion, he moved the election timeline forward.
The government has also faced strong criticism following devastating floods in southern Thailand last month. At least 176 people were killed, and the administration was accused of providing an inadequate response to the disaster.
The announcement to dissolve parliament comes amid renewed clashes with Cambodia. The recent fighting has reportedly left at least 20 people dead and displaced millions of civilians. Thailand has been grappling with political instability for the past year, during which two prime ministers have already been removed from office by court rulings.
