Bangkok: Bhumjaithai Party has signaled approval for the country’s current prime minister to resign, paving the way for selecting a new leader from a list of five candidates and dissolving the parliament while maintaining the same individual as a caretaker for six months. This decision comes amid economic difficulties and a concluded coup, leaving the country’s democracy in a state of suspension.

According to Thai News Agency, the Bhumjaithai Party’s official Facebook page posed the question, “Which way will Thailand go?” highlighting three potential paths: resignation, dissolution of parliament, and a coup. The green light for the prime minister’s resignation outlines a process for the prime minister to step down while maintaining the mechanisms of MPs and the House of Representatives. A new prime minister will be chosen from candidates such as Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul from the Bhumjaithai Party, General Prayut Chan-o-cha and Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Mr. Chaikasem Nitisiri from the Pheu Thai Party, and Mr. Jurin Laksanawisit from the Democrat Party.

The proposal also considers a yellow light option to dissolve parliament, which would result in the termination of the current House of Representatives and the departure of thousands of MPs, leading to new elections. During this period, the incumbent prime minister would remain in office until a successor is appointed, which could take several months. Economic conditions are reportedly poor, with investors hesitant to commit until a new government is established, potentially incurring an additional 6,000 million baht in national budget expenses.

The red light option involves a coup, which would seize power and halt all democratic processes, leading to civil unrest and stagnation. The focus would shift to maintaining peace, raising concerns about the allocation of the national budget and the welfare of the populace.