Thailand braces for Turbulent general election as parliament dissolves

(MENAFN) Thailand is preparing for a general election in May, and as a result, the country's parliament has been dissolved. King Maha Vajiralongkorn signed an order to dissolve the current parliament, paving the way for a potentially contentious battle for power in the nation of approximately 72 million people. The existing parliament's four-year term is set to end on Thursday, and the vote must take place within 60 days of dissolution.

The election will see the United Thai Nation Party of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, a former military general, going head-to-head with the Pheu Thai party led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Paetongtarn, who is the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was deposed in a military coup in 2006, and the niece of Yingluck Shinawatra, who was removed in a 2014 coup led by Prayut. The Move Forward Party, led by businessman and politician Pita Limjaroenrat, is another contender.

Recent polls suggest that Paetongtarn is leading the race for the prime minister's position, followed by Pita and Prayut, and her party is optimistic about securing a majority of the 500 seats that are up for election.

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