BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has announced the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for a snap general election, and denied accusations of political betrayal from the main opposition People’s Party (PP).
The dissolution follows a dispute over constitutional amendments, where BJT voted to retain the Senate’s power to vote on charter changes—a move that angered the People’s Party.
MOA Adherence and PP’s Demand
Mr. Anutin insisted his government had fulfilled all commitments in the original Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the People’s Party, stressing that the controversial issue of Senate powers (Article 256/28) was not included in the document.
The Prime Minister explicitly stated that the People’s Party triggered the dissolution by withdrawing their support and demanding the move.
“When the leader of the People’s Party stated they no longer supported me and asked the Prime Minister to dissolve parliament, I acted in accordance with their request, as is proper political etiquette. I want to return power to the people,” Mr. Anutin said.
He confirmed he had draft dissolution papers prepared since day one, acknowledging his minority government status, and reiterated that there was “no betrayal whatsoever.” (TNA)
