Thailand is heading toward an earlier than expected election after King Maha Vajiralongkorn endorsed Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s move to dissolve parliament. Anutin announced late Thursday that he was “returning power to the people,” a decision formalized by the king on Friday paving the way for elections as early as February.
The political shake up comes amid a fifth day of deadly clashes along the Thailand Cambodia border which have left at least 20 people dead nearly 200 wounded and hundreds of thousands displaced. The announcement also appears aimed at heading off a no confidence vote by the opposition People’s Party the largest bloc in parliament.
U.S. President Donald Trump who previously intervened during border clashes in July said he plans to call the leaders of both countries to help end the fighting.
Anutin assumed office less than 100 days ago leading a minority government after being elected prime minister by parliament in September. His rise followed a court decision removing Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office and relied on a deal with the People’s Party to support his government on the condition he amend the constitution and dissolve the house in January.
Thailand’s political landscape has long been turbulent with elected governments repeatedly challenged by coups court rulings and rival elite factions raising concerns that the coming election may bring further instability to the Southeast Asian nation.
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