Thailand’s parliament dissolved ahead of May general election

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is seeking to be returned to office, has dissolved Parliament, setting the stage for a general election in May (Sakchai Lalit/AP)

Thailand’s parliament was dissolved on Monday by a government decree, setting the stage for a May general election, which has the potential to reduce the military’s influence in politics.

The dissolution, just a few days before the end of the four-year term of the House of Representatives, was initiated by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is seeking a fresh mandate in the vote provisionally set for May 7.