Post by : Raman

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Thailand is once again facing political tension after the ruling Pheu Thai Party’s request to dissolve parliament was rejected by royal officials. This decision has left the way open for parliament to move forward and vote for a new prime minister, but the atmosphere in Bangkok remains uncertain and divided.

Royal Refusal Creates a New Path

On Thursday, caretaker Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confirmed that the Office of the Privy Council had turned down Pheu Thai’s proposal to dissolve the parliament. The palace said it was “inappropriate to present the decree at this time”, pointing to legal disputes over whether a caretaker prime minister even has the authority to take such an important step.

This decision means that instead of a new election, lawmakers will directly vote for the country’s next leader.

Political Vacuum After Paetongtarn’s Removal

The crisis began last week when Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the sitting prime minister and a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty, was removed by the Constitutional Court for an ethics violation. Her removal created a power vacuum and added to the growing sense of instability in Thailand’s politics.

Following her removal, the opposition People’s Party struck a deal with the Bhumjaithai Party, a conservative-populist group, to support its leader Anutin Charnvirakul as the new prime minister. This move created a strong coalition, putting Pheu Thai under heavy pressure.

Pheu Thai’s Countermove

In response, the Pheu Thai Party announced it would nominate former Attorney General Chaikasem Nitisiri, aged 77, as its candidate for prime minister. The party has also promised that if Chaikasem is chosen, it will immediately dissolve parliament and call a snap election, allowing the public to decide Thailand’s future.

“We will immediately dissolve parliament so that the democratic system can continue,” said caretaker premier Phumtham Wechayachai.

Rising Chances for Anutin

Despite Pheu Thai’s move, many analysts believe Anutin Charnvirakul, aged 58, is likely to win the parliamentary vote scheduled for Friday morning.

Anutin has previously served as deputy prime minister, interior minister, and health minister. He is widely known for fulfilling his 2022 promise to legalize cannabis in Thailand, a decision that earned him both praise and criticism.

If elected, Anutin is expected to lead a coalition government backed by the People’s Party and several other groups.

A Game of Political Strategy

The political situation has turned into a high-stakes game.

• The People’s Party has promised to support Anutin in exchange for a commitment to dissolve parliament in four months, giving them another chance to strengthen their influence.

• Pheu Thai, on the other hand, is trying to weaken that agreement by nominating Chaikasem and offering an even quicker election.

Deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun of the People’s Party, however, has said that her party will stand by its deal with Anutin, no matter what Pheu Thai proposes.

The Larger Context

For more than two decades, Pheu Thai and the Shinawatra family have been dominant forces in Thai politics, promoting populist policies that have won strong public support. However, they have repeatedly clashed with Thailand’s pro-military and pro-monarchy establishment, leading to frequent legal challenges, party dissolutions, and leadership removals.

Paetongtarn’s sudden removal is just the latest chapter in this long struggle, marking yet another setback for the Shinawatra dynasty.

What Comes Next?

The upcoming parliamentary vote will determine whether Thailand moves forward under the leadership of Anutin Charnvirakul or faces yet another political twist if Chaikasem Nitisiri somehow secures enough support.

Either way, Thailand is preparing for more political drama, with the possibility of a snap election still on the horizon.

For ordinary Thai citizens, the hope is simple: stability, fair governance, and an end to constant political battles that have shaped their country’s story for years.

Thailand parliament vote, Thailand new prime minister, Pheu Thai party news