Thailand is bracing for yet another round of political upheaval after the acting government moved to dissolve parliament on Wednesday, triggering a fresh election within weeks. The announcement came shortly after the opposition People’s Party threw its weight behind conservative tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul as its preferred candidate for prime minister.
The move follows last week’s dramatic ousting of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court. Judges ruled she had violated ministerial ethics in her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, creating a power vacuum at the top of government. Her Pheu Thai Party has since been governing in a caretaker capacity, with acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai submitting the dissolution decree for royal approval.
According to Thailand’s constitution, once King Maha Vajiralongkorn signs off on the decree, a general election must be held between 45 and 60 days later. The vote is expected to become another fierce contest between Pheu Thai, long associated with the Shinawatra political dynasty, and conservative forces aligned with the military and monarchy.
The Pheu Thai had sought to retain power by courting the support of the People’s Party, a key parliamentary bloc. But in a sharp blow, the group instead pledged its 143 seats to Anutin, who previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. Anutin gained prominence in 2022 by overseeing Thailand’s landmark move to legalize cannabis, though his record was marred by controversial remarks during the Covid-19 pandemic, including an accusation that Westerners were spreading the virus.
Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party was once part of Paetongtarn’s coalition but abandoned the alliance earlier this year over her handling of the Cambodian border spat. Now, with parliament’s dissolution looming, it remains uncertain whether he can convert political momentum into the premiership.
Only candidates listed in the 2023 election are eligible for the role, leaving just five potential contenders. The People’s Party has made clear its backing of Anutin is conditional on fresh polls within four months setting the stage for yet another test of Thailand’s deeply divided political landscape.
