House dissolved, general election tipped for May 14

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

PRIME MINISTER PRAYUT Chan-o-cha today (Mar.20) dissolved the House of Representatives to call a general election, which is largely expected on May 14.

A royal decree was issued last Friday and announced in the royal gazette today for the House dissolution and a subsequent nationwide election in 60 days, following the one held in 2019 after which Prayut was named an unelected prime minister.

In an unusual fashion in political history, Prayut dissolved the House only three days before its four-year term would otherwise have ended on Thursday without critical conflict between the legislative branch and executive branch as had been the case over past decades.

The Election Commission is legally given a five-day time from tomorrow to set the date for the nationwide election which is largely speculated for May 14.

Prayut who is contesting the general election to retain power under the Ruam Thai Sang Chart tickets is now performing as caretaker prime minister until a post-election government has been set up.

Eligible voters in all constituencies nationwide will be handed out two voting ballots – one to vote for an electoral candidate running in constituency-based mode and the other for those collectively vying in party-listed mode.

There will be a total of 500 elected lawmakers, including 400 constituency-based MPs and 100 party-listed MPs.

CAPTION:

A representative image of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha calling a general election, above, and casting his vote in the last election. Both photos: Matichon

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