Saxophonist, occasional pilot and heir to a construction fortune, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul led a short-lived coalition government marked by conflict with Cambodia.

The 59-year-old conservative -- who championed Thailand's 2022 decriminalisation of cannabis -- was elected by parliament in September replacing Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was ousted by a court order a week prior.

The support of the opposition People's Party was crucial to his victory, and their key condition was that new elections be called within four months -- which he did in just three.

A royal decree announced Friday that Anutin had dissolved parliament, paving the way for general elections early next year, a move that came during renewed deadly clashes along Thailand and Cambodia's disputed border.

Duri

See Full Page