Bangkok: Anutin Charnvirakul, the Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, has reiterated that the power to dissolve Parliament lies solely with the Prime Minister. He emphasized that decisions regarding the dissolution of Parliament are at the discretion of the Prime Minister, stating, "If you want to flee, flee. If you want to stay, stay."
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin discussed the issue amid reports that the government might dissolve Parliament before the completion of its four-month term. He highlighted that it is within his prerogative to decide when to dissolve Parliament, saying, "Do I have to tell you when I will dissolve Parliament? It's my prerogative. If I want to run, I run. If I want to stay, I stay. I know when my last day is."
Addressing questions on constitutional amendments, Anutin assured that the process is advancing and is not merely starting from scratch. He noted that if it becomes necessary, the decision will be left to the people. He also affirmed his commitment to honoring the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) but acknowledged that cooperation from all parties would be required should other factors come into play.
Anutin stated that progress has been made with the establishment of a committee to review amendments. He clarified that they are not beginning from the first stage but are further along in the process. The Prime Minister's authority, he affirmed, remains intact, and in the event of an inability to continue, power would be returned to the people, reflecting democratic norms.