Thailand’s political scene is in turmoil as the ruling Pheu Thai party has sought royal approval to dissolve parliament, triggering the possibility of a new election.
This follows a major opposition party’s backing of a rival candidate for prime minister, deepening uncertainty over the country’s leadership.
The crisis began after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra last week over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia.
With the Pheu Thai party now in a caretaker role, its coalition became vulnerable.
The party’s former ally, Bhumjaithai, moved to form its own government under conservative tycoon Anutin Charnvirakul.
Anutin, heir to a construction company fortune, previously served as deputy prime minister and interior minister and is known for promoting cannabis legalization during his 2022 tenure as health minister.
He has secured the support of the People’s Party, which holds nearly a third of lower house seats.
The backing comes with a key condition: Anutin must agree to dissolve the House of Representatives within four months, which would lead to new elections under Thailand’s constitution.
The Pheu Thai party submitted a draft royal decree for parliament dissolution, awaiting the king’s approval.
Legal experts are divided over whether a caretaker government has the authority to dissolve the house, adding another layer of uncertainty.
If approved, elections must take place within 45 to 60 days.
The People’s Party has indicated it will stay in opposition and not accept any ministerial posts in the new government.
It also cautioned against the return of the former coalition, led by retired coup leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, who remains eligible for the prime minister role.
A parliamentary vote on the new prime minister could occur within days, though the shifting alliances make the outcome unpredictable.
The developments have raised concerns over stability in Thailand, with the potential for a series of rapid political changes in the coming months.