Early poll helps Bhumjaithai, hurts PP: academics

Political analysts believe an early House dissolution will work in the Bhumjaithai (BJT) Party's favour, boost Pheu Thai’s chances and leave the People’s Party (PP) at a clear disadvantage.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA AEKARACH SATTABURUTH

Yutthaporn Isarachai, a political scientist at Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, said that the move was intended to avoid a no-confidence motion and keep the Senate’s veto power in the charter amendment process intact.

He said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul repeatedly signalled that he would dissolve the House the moment a no-confidence motion was filed and the government clearly had multiple scenarios prepared.

The turning point came during the second reading of the charter amendment bill on Thursday, when parliament appeared to favour retaining the Senate veto power. Once the opposition leader announced plans to submit a no-confidence motion, Mr Anutin announced the decision to dissolve the House, he said.