Thai politics has entered the general election mode again in 2026 following the announcement of the dissolution of the House of Representatives by Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on the evening of 11 December 2025, effective from 12 December 2025. This dissolution occurred amid conflicts over constitutional amendments, particularly regarding the powers of the Senate, and in response to demands from coalition parties that had previously supported the government formation.
Within the framework of the constitution and election laws, the key timeline from now until the formation of the new government is as follows:
Phase 1: Dissolution of Parliament and Setting the Election Date (December 2025)
Date/Timeframe | Key Events | Legal References/Facts |
11 December 2025 (Evening) | Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul submitted the royal decree (P.R.D.) dissolving the House of Representatives. | This action was taken as a gesture of responsibility according to agreements and in response to coalition parties' requests following disagreements over constitutional amendments. |
12 December 2025 | The royal decree dissolving the House of Representatives takes effect. | Parliament immediately ceases to exist, and the government becomes a "caretaker government" under Article 168 of the 2017 Constitution. |
Within 5 days (Deadline 17 December 2025) | The Election Commission (EC) must announce the date of the general election. | Article 103, paragraph 2 of the Constitution requires the election to be held within 45-60 days from the dissolution date. |
26 January - 10 February 2026 | General election period timeframe. | Within 45-60 days from 12 December 2025. |
Phase 2: Candidate Registration and Campaigning (December 2025 - January 2026)
Date/Timeframe | Key Events | Notes |
No later than 27 December 2025 | Last day for the EC to open candidate registration for MPs. | Registration must begin within 15 days from the effective date of the royal decree. |
At least 5 days | Period for registering MPs for constituency and party list seats. | Political parties must submit the names of their nominated prime minister candidates before registration closes. |
Schedule pending announcement. | The EC will announce the list of registered MP candidates. | - |
Schedule pending announcement. | Advance voting day both inside and outside constituencies. | - |
Phase 3: Election Day and Result Announcement (February - April 2026)
Date/Timeframe | Key Events | Regulations/Estimates |
1 or 8 February 2026 | General election day (voting day). | Sunday dates traditionally used by the EC within the 45-60 day window. |
Within 60 days after election day. | The EC certifies and announces the election results for MPs. | If the election is on 8 February 2026, the deadline to announce results is 9 April 2026. |
Within 15 days after the results announcement. | The first parliamentary session is convened. | This is the initial step toward electing and appointing the new House Speaker and Prime Minister. |