Thailand Prepares for Vote on New Prime Minister Following Dissolution Request Rejection

Thai royal officials have rejected a request by the ruling Pheu Thai party to dissolve parliament, acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed on Thursday. This decision clears the way for a parliamentary vote that could select the country’s next leader.

A power vacuum has gripped Thailand’s top office since last Friday, when the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over an alleged ethics violation.

Caretaker premier Wechayachai stated that the Office of the Privy Council cited “disputed legal issues” over his authority to dissolve parliament while in a caretaker role.

The opposition coalition has backed Anutin Charnvirakul, a 58-year-old conservative construction magnate, as the likely next prime minister.

Anutin’s political record includes:

• Former Deputy Prime Minister
• Interior Minister
• Health Minister
• Notably legalised cannabis in 2022

He has secured support from the 143-seat People’s Party, which, despite being in opposition, holds the most parliamentary seats. However, their backing comes with conditions: they will not join his cabinet and demand parliament be dissolved for fresh elections within four months.

Anutin’s Bhumjaithai Party is the third-largest party, which, together with other smaller allies, positions him to command a comfortable majority in parliament

The Pheu Thai party has been a dominant force in Thai politics over the past two decades, championing populist policies while facing ongoing challenges from the pro-military, pro-monarchy establishment.

Paetongtarn’s removal is a significant setback for the Shinawatra dynasty, which has encountered a series of legal and political obstacles in recent years.

Anutin had initially backed Paetongtarn’s coalition but withdrew support following her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia, which contributed to her ouster.

The Pheu Thai party attempted to block the vote by submitting a dissolution request immediately after the People’s Party declared support for Anutin. However, the royal refusal has left the path clear for MPs to elect the next prime minister.