BANGKOK, THAILAND – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul faced mounting criticism after reportedly threatening to dissolve parliament ahead of a planned no-confidence debate.
Opposition challenged reported December dissolution plan
Opposition lawmaker Dr. Cholnan Srikaew of the Pheu Thai Party sharply criticized the premier after reports that Anutin intended to dissolve parliament on 12 December. The move was linked to an upcoming no-confidence debate sought by the opposition.
“This action violates the coalition agreement,”
said Dr. Cholnan, who argued that an early dissolution would be a calculated maneuver allowing the ruling Bhumjaithai Party to cement its power before the election.
Control of budget and key posts at stake
According to the opposition, an early dissolution would allow the ruling party to maintain access to the state budget and continue appointing key officials. They described this as a clear advantage in the election campaign. Dr. Cholnan accused the prime minister of pure power politics, saying the threat of dissolution was designed to block unwanted debates, particularly on a significant constitutional reform.
“Dangerous game with democracy”
“Mr. Anutin’s actions primarily serve his own benefit and that of his followers, not the benefit of the country and the people,”
said Dr. Cholnan, claiming the government was also using reshuffles in the Interior Ministry to expand its influence over the upcoming vote. He warned that this represented a dangerous game with democracy and could halt crucial reform efforts.
Former Pheu Thai spokesman intensifies criticism
Former Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit also went on the offensive, criticizing the reported plan to dissolve parliament in December instead of at the end of January as previously agreed.
“If your ministers can show a good record, why are you afraid of the opposition?”
said Prompong, adding that an honest politician should not fear scrutiny and could even gain support from it.
Calls for debate on corruption and fraud allegations
The opposition accused the government of links to fraudsters, gambling websites and corruption, arguing these allegations needed to be clarified in a parliamentary debate.
“Nobody wants to see him save himself only out of political calculation,”
said Prompong, contending that instead of focusing on fraud, drugs, agricultural prices and flooding, the premier was engaging in power politics.
Minority government under pressure
The confrontation highlighted the instability of Thailand’s political landscape, with Anutin leading a minority government amid high public expectations. Many citizens expected concrete solutions to everyday problems rather than renewed political maneuvering. The threat to dissolve parliament was described as a powder keg that could plunge Thailand into a deep political crisis, with the coming weeks seen as decisive for the government’s future.