(Reuters) – Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Wednesday he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election to be held by late March or early April.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed that the House of Representatives will be dissolved four months after the government delivers its policy statement to parliament.
The announcement signals a strategic reset in Thailand’s political landscape, potentially paving the way for a fresh general election and new political alignments.
Speaking after a meeting with the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Mr Anutin said that he and his team had met with the chamber’s executive committee — a visit similar to his earlier engagement with the Federation of Thai Industries. He described the meeting as part of his efforts to engage with the private sector ahead of formally assuming full executive powers. The purpose, he said, was to listen to suggestions and concerns that the business community would like the government to address or support.
“We aim to gather as much input as possible, so that once we are officially in office, we can move forward quickly and efficiently,” he said.
When asked about the likely direction of the economy during the four-month period before a House dissolution, Mr Anutin said, “Well, it certainly won’t be going backwards.”
He reiterated that his government’s timeframe is limited, as per the agreement he signed with the People’s Party (PP).
“The House will be dissolved four months after the government delivers its policy statement to parliament,” the prime minister said.
He added that the policy address will take place once the cabinet has been sworn in before His Majesty the King.
“Over the past week and up until now, we’ve been preparing the draft policy statement to be delivered to parliament. It’s largely complete, with only minor revisions remaining,” Mr Anutin said. “All that’s left is to follow the necessary constitutional procedures. Once that is done, we will begin administering the country in full capacity.”
Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, a deputy leader of the PP and the chief opposition whip, commented on the opposition’s readiness for the upcoming parliamentary debate on the government’s policy statement.
He said that preliminary discussions had already begun with MPs who will be taking part in the debate.
“I am confident we will be ready in time,” Mr Pakornwut said, adding that representatives from both government and opposition whips will hold informal preliminary discussions soon. While the exact date of the policy debate has not yet been confirmed, he expects it will take place over two days.
Chutipong Phiphopphinyo, a Rayong MP for the PP, on Thursday commented on the recently announced list of cabinet ministers, raising concerns about nominees with questionable past conduct related to corruption.
Mr Chutipong questioned why certain individuals, previously implicated in misconduct related to their official duties, were included in the cabinet list.
He said Mr Anutin must adequately address public concerns regarding why individuals, found by the National Anti-Corruption Commission to have engaged in corrupt behaviour, have been appointed to ministerial positions.
