Thailand parliament dissolved ahead of May election

BBC reported that Thailand’s king has dissolved parliament, paving the way for a general election in early May.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s new conservative, royalist party faces a strong challenge from the Pheu Thai party, led by exiled former PM Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter Paetongtarn. Prayuth, who led a 2014 coup against the last pro-Thaksin government, has trailed in opinion polls for months.

The election date has not been set, but must be within 60 days of dissolution. Thailand’s current constitution – written by the military – could make it hard for the opposition to form a new government.

Campaigning by dozens of parties is already under way. Bangkok’s pavements are disappearing behind a blizzard of party posters making all kinds of promises to the voters.