The Thai parliament on Monday afternoon was officially dissolved, paving the way for the country’s next general election to take place by mid-May.
At 3pm, the 25th House of Representatives in place since the 2019 election was dissolved by a decree published in the Royal Gazette.
The parliament was originally slated to end Thursday, but Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha on Friday said that he had submitted a draft decree for the king to endorse the dissolution of the House.
Thai parliament expected to dissolve today
Speaker of the House Chuan Leekpai today said at the parliament building that he was “proud” to serve the post for the past four years.
“I’m proud that I could stay in the post for four years. and I have almost completed my job,” Chuan said. The 84-year-old politician is a two-time former prime minister. He was elected House speaker following the 2019 election.
Chuan said the lack of quorum had led to the House failing to enact bills including the much-awaited cannabis and hemp act.
With the House dissolved, elections must take place within 60 days. Election Day has traditionally been held on Sundays, making May 7 or May 14 the most likely choices for the poll.
That would come almost exactly nine years after Prayuth, the former army commander, seized power in a coup d’etat and ruled as dictator up until 2019. He was made prime minister after that election under rules written by the military to secure its grip on power.
Among the competitors he will face for the premiership is likely to be Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and his former right hand man, retired Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan.
Related
