Thai PM says he will dissolve parliament by end-January

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced on Wednesday plans to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with a general election scheduled for March or early April.

Anutin secured a parliamentary vote in early September to become Thailand’s third prime minister since August 2023, following his Bhumjaithai party’s exit from the ruling coalition led by the Pheu Thai party.

To gain power, he obtained backing from the opposition People’s Party, the largest parliamentary grouping, which set several conditions, including holding elections within four months of his taking office.

Political instability has affected Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy. Fitch Ratings on Wednesday revised Thailand’s outlook from “stable” to “negative,” citing rising risks to public finances amid ongoing uncertainty.

Anutin faces the challenge of steering an economy burdened by U.S. tariffs, high household debt, and weak consumer spending. His government plans measures to ease the cost of living and support farmers dealing with declining agricultural prices.

He also reiterated a firm stance against gambling, ruling out casino-style entertainment complexes and the legalization of online gambling.

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