Thai PM says he will return ‘power to the people’

Thai Prime Minister Anutin ‍Charnvirakul signaled on social media that he was ready to dissolve parliament and pave the way for earlier elections than previously anticipated, saying he was “giving power back to the people.”

Anutin submitted a request to the Thai king to dissolve parliament, a government source with direct knowledge told Reuters.

A government spokesman did not return a call seeking comment.

If the king approves the dissolution, according to the Thai constitution, elections must be held within 45-60 days.

Anutin said in September that he planned to dissolve parliament by the end of January, with general elections to be held in March or early April, but this move would accelerate that timeline.

Anutin’s comment came as a violent border clash between Thailand and Cambodia that left at least 20 people dead and nearly 200 injured spread into a fourth day.