The Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai has submitted a petition seeking the King’s endorsement for a House dissolution in order to untangle the current political deadlock.

The Pheu Thai Party’s Secretary General Sorawong Thienthong revealed on Wednesday (3 September) that Acting PM Phumtham Wechayachai submitted a petition requesting the King’s endorsement for the House dissolution.

According to his statement, the step was taken after the People’s Party announced that it would not be joining the government coalition but will instead support Bhumjaithai's leader and prime ministerial candidate Anutin Charnvirakul to be the 32nd Prime Minister.

Sorawong noted that a government led by Bhumjaithai would have only 130 seats in parliament, which would lead to a crisis in government credibility.

Asked whether the acting PM had the authority to dissolve the House, Sorawong said that his party’s legal team was confident that he did.

Meanwhile, MP Chusak Sirinil, Pheu Thai Deputy leader and caretaker Minister attached to the PM's Office, pointed out that a new government is not really being formed to govern the country but rather to dissolve the House and pave the way for another election in four months - the best way out of the current political impasse.

Chusak also says that Phumtham has the power to dissolve the House. Before the Constitutional Court reached its verdict on the former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, she was merely suspended, and unable to perform her duties. He feels that her dismissal made Phumtham the PM with full authority.

The debate arose because the 2017 Constitution is not entirely clear on the matter. It stipulates that a House dissolution requires a Royal Decree signed by the King but does not specify who has the authority to countersign. Once a petition is submitted to the King and he signs it, the debate should come to an end. The issue could arise again if the King refuses to sign, however.