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People’s Party Backs Anutin as Thailand’s Acting Leader Seeks to Dissolve Parliament

The opposition conditioned its votes on a written pledge to call elections within four months, paving the way for charter change.

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivers her government's policy proposal to parliament at the Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, September 12, 2024. REUTERS/Athit Perawongmetha/File Photo
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People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut speaks during a press conference at the parliament house ahead of a pivotal parliamentary vote on a new prime minister, in Bangkok, Thailand, August 15, 2024. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa/File Photo

Overview

  • Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai submitted a house dissolution decree that is now awaiting royal approval, according to Pheu Thai’s secretary-general.
  • People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said his 143 lawmakers will support Bhumjaithai’s Anutin Charnvirakul for prime minister under conditions that include swift dissolution and a constitutional referendum.
  • Anutin said he has 146 lawmakers behind his bid and pledged to meet the opposition’s terms, while the People’s Party reiterated it will not join any cabinet.
  • The House is on standby to hold a prime ministerial vote as soon as Friday, though legal debate persists over a caretaker government’s authority to dissolve parliament.
  • Only contenders nominated in 2023 are eligible to be premier, leaving Pheu Thai with Chaikasem Nitisiri as its sole option, as analysts warn prolonged uncertainty is pressuring growth and markets.