By Panarat Thepgumpanat
BANGKOK, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on social media on Thursday that he is “returning power to the people”, signalling his readiness to dissolve parliament and clear the way for elections earlier than previous anticipated.
Anutin has submitted a request for the dissolution of parliament to Thailand’s King, a government source with direct knowledge told Reuters.
A government spokesman did not respond to a call seeking comment.
If the king approves the dissolution, polls must be held within 45-60 days, according to the Thai constitution.
Anutin said in September he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election to be held in March or early April, but this move would accelerate that timeline.
Anutin’s comment comes as a fierce border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia extended into a fourth day, leaving at least 20 people dead and nearly 200 injured.
(Reporting by Bangkok newsroom, Writing by Devjyot Ghoshal, Editing by Andrew Heavens and Philippa Fletcher)
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