Thailand’s PM to dissolve parliament ahead of early 2026 elections

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has officially begun the countdown to dissolve parliament within four months, paving the way for early elections by late March or early April 2026.

The move follows an agreement with the reformist People’s Party, which supported Anutin’s premiership on the condition of holding an early poll, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Delivering his policy address to parliament on September 29, Anutin pledged swift action on economic, social, and security challenges, as well as environmental issues. Key priorities for the “limited time” before elections include:

• Easing household and business debt.

• Supporting firms affected by US tariffs.

• Reducing living costs and boosting consumption.

The government, staffed with technocrats in economic ministries, faces multiple challenges, including a weaker economy, a stronger baht, and a downturn in tourism. Both Fitch Ratings and Moody’s recently downgraded Thailand’s outlook to negative, adding pressure to restore investor confidence. Political instability has left the Thai stock market among Asia’s worst performers this year.

On the security front, simmering border tensions with Cambodia remain unresolved. Although a ceasefire in July ended five days of fighting, clashes have resumed. The government plans a national referendum on constitutional amendments and another vote on whether to scrap border and maritime agreements with Cambodia, agreements critics argue risk Thai territorial integrity.

Despite recent progress, including the withdrawal of heavy weapons and landmine clearance efforts, disputes trace back to colonial-era maps and treaties, with hostilities flaring periodically since 2011.

By Vugar Khalilov