Thai parl dissolved, snap elections early next year

Thailand’s parliament was dissolved Friday for snap elections early next year as the country engaged in deadly fighting with Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives after getting approval from King Maha Vajiralongkorn, whose endorsement became effective Friday with its publication in the Royal Gazette.

Anutin had signalled the move with a Facebook post late Thursday saying: “I’d like to return power to the people.”

The election must be held 45-60 days after the royal endorsement, a period during which Anutin will head a caretaker government with limited powers that cannot approve a new Budget.  The move comes at a tricky political moment, as Thailand is engaged in large-scale combat with Cambodia over a longstanding border dispute. Anutin has been Prime Minister for just three months, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra.