Wed Sep 03 06:24:04 UTC 2025: ## Thailand Plunges into Political Turmoil: Acting PM Seeks Parliament Dissolution After Court Ousts Shinawatra

**Bangkok, Thailand** – Thailand’s political landscape is facing renewed instability as acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has submitted a petition to dissolve parliament. This move comes just days after the Constitutional Court removed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office due to ethical violations stemming from a controversial phone call with Cambodia’s former Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The ruling Pheu Thai party’s “house dissolution decree” is currently awaiting royal approval, according to party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong. The swift action follows a major blow to the party’s fragile coalition government. The largest opposition party, the People’s Party, announced its support for Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, a conservative business tycoon, as the next prime minister.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut stated his party’s 143 lawmakers would back Anutin, effectively giving him a parliamentary majority. However, this support is conditional on the dissolution of parliament and the holding of new elections within four months. He emphasized the need to “return power to the people as soon as possible,” citing the People’s Party’s belief that a Pheu Thai-led coalition is “not fit to rule again.”

A parliamentary vote on the new prime minister could occur as early as Friday. Anutin, who previously served as deputy prime minister and various ministerial roles, claims to have the support of 146 lawmakers and has committed to the conditions set by the People’s Party. He is known for his role in legalizing recreational cannabis in 2022.

Shinawatra’s removal from office was triggered by a Constitutional Court ruling that found she had breached ethical standards related to a leaked audio recording of her conversation with Hun Sen. This unexpected development has plunged Thailand into a state of political uncertainty, leaving the future of the government hanging in the balance.

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