Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua has endorsed a royal decree to dissolve the lower house of parliament, an announcement published in the Royal Gazette said on Friday, paving the way for a general election early next year.

The decree, countersigned by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, cited his administration's status as a "minority government" as the primary reason for the dissolution.

"The current administration, which took office in September 2025, consists of a coalition of multiple parties that failed to command a majority in the House of Representatives," the decree said.

Meanwhile, several critical challenges facing the nation require a stable government to address effectively, and continuing as a minority administration risks political instability, which could harm the country's economic system and international confidence, the decree noted.

"The appropriate solution is to dissolve the House of Representatives to hold a new general election... returning political decision-making power to the people," the decree said.

Under the Thai constitution, the Election Commission must hold a general election within 45 to 60 days following an endorsement of the royal decree.