BANGKOK: Thailand's prime minister said Friday he has submitted an application to dissolve the lower house of parliament, setting the stage for early elections. Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said he submitted the dissolution decree to King Bhumibol Adulyadej for royal approval before going to Indonesia to attend a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Abhisit said he will give a news conference Monday after he returns, where he is expected to announce the actual dissolution and election date. Polls must be held within 45-60 days of dissolving the house. Thailand has been gripped by political turmoil since 2006, when the military staged a coup. The country has been politically unstable since, with sometimes violent street protests launched after past votes. Abhisit's government's term does not expire until the end of the year, but he is hoping that a relatively buoyant economy – along with recently passed spending measures that should please voters – make this a propitious time to hold polls. Although royal approval is normally a formality, several elements cast a shadow over election plans, the overriding one being fears that the party loyal to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra may stage a comeback.
