Possibility of early elections in Thailand

 
 
Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced today that the caretaker government has requested the dissolution of the lower house of parliament, possibly triggering early elections. The decree was submitted to King Maha Vajiralongkorn yesterday and awaits royal approval. Mr. Phumtham cited political instability and economic concerns, stressing the need to return power to the people through democratic means. The move follows the removal of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra by the Constitutional Court over ethics violations. With the ruling Pheu Thai Party losing its majority, efforts to form a new government have faltered. Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Party endorsed Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the next prime minister ahead of a parliamentary vote.