Analysis: Thailand’s upcoming snap electionーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS
Thailand will hold a general election within the next 60 days after Prime Minister Anuin Chanakun dissolved parliament. In a royal decree released on Friday, Anutin said his administration had been unable to govern with stability as a minority government. The decision comes as Thai politics has reached an impass. Former Prime Minister Patton Tan Chinat was ousted over her handling of a border dispute with Cambodia. Anuin took office with the backing of the largest opposition party, but his government later faced mounting political conflict, including disagreements over constitutional reform. There is also trouble along the disputed border with Cambodia where forces from both sides have been exchanging fires since Monday. At least 21 people have been killed and more than 500,000 have been evacuated. For more on what’s behind the decision, what comes next, we’re joined by our correspondent Takoka Shikashi. Shikashi, the dissolution came earlier than expected. Why did it happen? The most immediate factor is a deadlock in the parliament. Prime Minister Anutin has been leading uh a minority government which made it difficult to secure enough support to pass legislation and that led to a prolonged parliamentary statement and ultimately to the dissolution. Looking back at this year’s political turbulence, nationalist leader Anotin took office after his predecessor was removed by a court ruling. To become a prime minister, he relied on support from the largest opposition party, the reform-minded people’s party, in exchange for a pledge to pursue constitutional reform. However, the two sides failed to agree how on how the constitution should be revised. The opposition party had been preparing a no confidence no confidence motion against an help trigger the dissolution of the parliament. At the same time, Thailand is embroiled in the ongoing border conflict with Cambodia. Fighting has intensified with casualties continuing to rise. The royal decree dissolving parliament said the government needed stability to address these challenges in a smooth and orderly manner. Analysts say the decision is aimed at breaking the political stalemate and demonstrating the government’s re resolve to confront both internal political divisions and external security pressures. Now, Thailand has seen frequent changes of government in recent years. There have already been three prime ministers since the last election in 2023. So, what should we be watching for as the country heads into another vote? Well, the election will take place at a particularly difficult moment for the country. Beyond the border border conflict, the economy remains sluggish and several regions are still recovering from severe flooding. We asked people on the street for their views on the political move. I was shocked particularly because the country is already facing what feels like a wartime situation. Every time there’s an election, you hope things will change for the better and bring more stability. But based on past experience, it’s hard to expect too much. With the vote expected in less than two months, some analysts say the clashes with Cambodia could hamper voting, especially as hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate border areas. Prime Minister Anutin said the government will try to resolve the situation before the election. He’s expected to hold talks with US President Donald Trump who who has in indicated he will also speak with Cambodia’s leader. Attention is now on the outcome, but the border dispute has a long history and will take time to resolve. The dissolution of parliament and the upcoming election are are adding further uncertainty to Thailand’s political landscape with possible implications for regional stability as well. Thank you, Shikashi.
Thailand will hold a general election within the next 60 days after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament. NHK World’s Takaoka Chikashi explains what led to the decision and what may come next.
More stories on Asia: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/58/
Please subscribe HERE: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSPEjw8F2nQDtmUKPFNF7_A?sub_confirmation=1