Thailand Dissolves Parliament Ahead of May Elections

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has approved a decree to dissolve parliament, in preparation for elections that must be held within 45 to 60 days from the dissolution. The elections position the wealthy Shinawatra family and their business allies against parties and politicians close to their rivals in the military loyal to the king and the conservative elite. The Shinawatra-affiliated parties, which adopt populist policies targeting the working class in Thailand, have won all elections held in the country since 2001, achieving a landslide victory in two of them. However, three of their governments have been ousted either through military coups or judicial rulings.