Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the dissolution of the country’s Parliament on Thursday and has received royal approval to hold a general election within the next two months.

In a televised address and social media statements, Anutin said the decision was intended to “return power to the people” and provide a democratic mandate amid mounting political strain.

The move comes after months of coalition disagreements and a threatened no-confidence motion from the opposition People’s Party, which accused the governing bloc of failing to honor agreements on constitutional reform and parliamentary cooperation.

The dissolution triggers an electoral process that, under the Thai constitution, must take place between forty-five and sixty days following royal assent, potentially scheduling the vote for early February 2026.
Political tensions have coincided with escalating border clashes between Thai and Cambodian forces over long-standing territorial disputes, resulting in dozens of fatalities, hundreds of injuries, and mass displacement of civilians.

Anutin pledged that national security operations will continue uninterrupted by the political transition and stressed the importance of sustained governance during the interim period.

Under the royal decree, Anutin will lead a caretaker government with limited powers until the election, during which time he cannot approve a new budget or implement major policy changes.

Anutin assumed office in September after the removal of his predecessor and formed a government supported by the People’s Party contingent, contingent on a commitment to pursue constitutional amendments and a prompt dissolution of the legislature.

Those constitutional debates remain central to Thailand’s political landscape as parties prepare for campaigning and jockey for parliamentary seats in the upcoming polls.

The election is widely seen as a test of public confidence in the current leadership and the direction of Thailand’s democratic institutions.