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Thailand ruling party moves to dissolve parliament - DW - 09/03/2025

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Thailand’s Ruling Party Seeks to Dissolve Parliament Amid Escalating Political Crisis

In a dramatic turn of events that could reshape Thailand’s fragile democratic landscape, the country’s ruling coalition has announced plans to dissolve the National Assembly, a move that has triggered a sharp backlash from the opposition and sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The decision follows a series of legal challenges and political wrangling that have left the government’s future in a precarious state.

The Genesis of the Crisis

Thailand’s 2023 general elections marked a rare moment of relative political stability after decades of coups and constitutional upheavals. The ruling Pheu Thai Party—long the political heir to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s popular movement—secured the largest share of seats, while the historically dominant Democrat Party became an unlikely partner in a coalition that aimed to counterbalance the populist leanings of the opposition People’s Power Party (PPP). The coalition, led by newly elected Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, promised to bring fiscal prudence and an emphasis on infrastructure development to the country’s political agenda.

However, the coalition’s fragile foundation was tested early when a Supreme Court ruling declared the “Pheu Thai” party’s name illegal. The court’s decision was grounded in the principle that no political entity may use the exact name of a party that had been dissolved during the 2006 coup that toppled Thaksin’s Thai Rak Thai Party. The ruling effectively left the Pheu Thai Party in legal limbo, and the court demanded that the party either change its name or face dissolution.

The court’s decision was followed by an internal scramble to rebrand the party. In a bid to preserve its electoral identity, the coalition announced a temporary name change to “Thai Party” while fighting a legal appeal. The move was met with criticism from both the opposition and members of the coalition, who argued that the name change was a superficial attempt to skirt constitutional law.

A No‑Confidence Threat

Shortly after the Supreme Court’s decision, the opposition PPP, led by former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, announced that it would file a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Srettha. The PPP argued that the Pheu Thai Party’s legal troubles meant that the government was no longer a legitimate or stable governing body. In response, Prime Minister Srettha’s camp declared that a motion of no confidence would not pass, citing the coalition’s parliamentary majority and a lack of any clear alternative.

In a televised statement, Srettha vowed that his administration would “take the decisive step of dissolving parliament if needed to secure the nation’s stability and ensure fair elections.” The announcement was immediately met with skepticism from the opposition and raised alarms among civil society groups that feared a repeat of the 2014 coup, which was triggered by a political crisis that left the Thai military in control for a decade.

Constitutional Mechanisms and Political Calculations

Thailand’s constitution grants the prime minister the authority to dissolve parliament under certain circumstances—primarily if the government loses a vote of confidence. The move to dissolve parliament, however, is not a decision made in isolation; it requires consultation with the House of Representatives and a formal resolution. By announcing its intention to dissolve parliament before the opposition can even file a no-confidence motion, the ruling coalition is effectively pre‑empting the threat and trying to control the narrative.

Critics argue that the move is a strategic ploy to secure a fresh election before the PPP can mount a credible challenge. Supporters of the ruling coalition claim that the dissolution is a legitimate constitutional tool that will restore stability and allow the country to return to normalcy after a period of intense political turmoil.

International and Domestic Reactions

The Thai media, civil society groups, and some international observers have expressed concern about the implications of a dissolution. The BBC, Reuters, and Bloomberg have all reported on the potential for a repeat of past political crises, noting that the Thai military has historically stepped in when constitutional mechanisms break down. In addition, the United Nations Development Programme and various NGOs have called for transparent elections and a careful adherence to democratic norms.

The monarchy, historically a stabilizing force in Thai politics, has remained largely silent on the matter. However, the King’s traditional role as a mediator in times of crisis adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding drama. While the monarchy typically refrains from direct political involvement, its influence cannot be discounted in a country where royal endorsement has often swayed public opinion.

What Happens Next?

If the ruling coalition proceeds with the dissolution, a general election must be held within 90 days, as stipulated in the constitution. The new electoral cycle could give the Pheu Thai Party a chance to re‑brand itself and present a fresh platform. However, it also opens the door for the PPP to capitalize on the public’s desire for change and could potentially shift the balance of power.

Opposition leaders have warned that a premature dissolution could be a tactical misstep that undermines the opposition’s credibility and may alienate voters who feel that the ruling party is attempting to game the system. In contrast, the coalition’s supporters claim that the dissolution is a necessary step to reset the political calendar and avoid a constitutional crisis that could spiral into a military intervention.

A Broader Context

The situation is reminiscent of earlier episodes in Thai politics, such as the 2008 dissolution of the Thai Rak Thai Party and the 2014 military coup that ended the PPP’s rule. The constant tension between elected bodies, the military, and the judiciary has long characterized Thailand’s political life. The present crisis is yet another instance where the legal and constitutional frameworks collide with political ambition and populist rhetoric.

In the months that follow, all eyes will be on how the ruling coalition’s decision is implemented and how the opposition responds. The outcome will determine whether Thailand can move toward a more stable and inclusive democracy or whether a return to extra‑constitutional measures is inevitable. The next few weeks will therefore be pivotal for Thailand’s political trajectory, and the global community is watching closely to see how this chapter of Thai politics unfolds.


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