Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. (Reuters)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. Thailand's parliament was dissolved on Friday to hold elections early next year amid the fierce conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives after getting the approval of King Maha Vajiralongkorn. The king's approval became effective as soon as it was published in the Royal Gazette on Friday.
Anutin had hinted at the move in a Facebook post late Thursday night, saying, "I want to hand power back to the people." Elections are to be held within 45 to 60 days of royal assent. During this time, Anutin will lead a caretaker government, which will have limited powers and cannot pass a new budget.
The move comes at a delicate political time, as Thailand and Cambodia are locked in a large-scale war over a long-running border dispute.
(With inputs from news agency AP)