Thai Parliament Dissolved; Elections Scheduled in July
- Share via
BANGKOK, Thailand — Prime Minister Prem Tinsulonanda dissolved Parliament today and called new elections hours after his supporters and opposition teamed up to defeat a key finance bill--a de facto vote of no confidence.
A government spokesman said the elections will be held July 27. The new Parliament will then choose a new prime minister to replace Prem, one of the most popular Thai leaders of the post-World War II era.
The political crisis came during the opening session of Parliament as 41 members of the Social Action Party, the largest pro-government group, teamed with opposition parties to narrowly defeat one of nine finance bills.
Under the Thai political system, defeat of a bill is considered a virtual no-confidence vote. The prime minister must resign or dissolve Parliament and hold general elections within 90 days after such a defeat.
Political analysts said the Social Action Party revolt appeared to reflect self-interests as much as dissatisfaction with Prem, the longest-serving prime minister in the history of Thai civilian government.
Prem’s government has come under increasing criticism as Thailand’s agriculture-based economy suffered because of weak food export markets.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
