Thailand's Parliament is dissolved for new elections early next year

Thailand is preparing for new elections early next year after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved the House of Representatives. Anutin's move received endorsement from King Maha Vajiralongkorn on Thursday, and the dissolution became effective with its publication on Friday in the Royal Gazette. Elections must be held within 45 to 60 days. Anutin will now lead a caretaker government with limited powers. His decision comes amid political tension and ongoing armed conflict with Cambodia over border disputes. Anutin's move follows a promise to dissolve Parliament by January and organize a referendum on drafting a new constitution in an unusual deal that had the opposition People's Party back his September bid to become prime minister.