Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul received royal permission Friday to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for general elections to be held early next year. 

"I'd like to return power to the people," he said in a one-line post on Facebook. "The House of Representatives dissolved to hold a new general election for members of the House," read a royal decree.

How will dissolving parliament affect Thailand's conflict with Cambodia?

The move to call for fresh elections comes at a delicate time, as Thai and Cambodian troops continue to fight along their contested border.

At least 19 people have been killed on both sides of the border since the latest skirmishes began earlier this week.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced on both sides.

Anutin said his decision to dissolve Parliament would not affect the management of the ongoing conflict.

Under Thai law, elections for the 500-member House of Representatives must be held between 45 and 60 days after the dissolution of the house.

Anutin will lead a caretaker government with limited powers until the elections take place. 

Why did Anutin dissolve parliament?

Anutin, a member of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, came to power in September after his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office for ethics violations over her ties with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.

Anutin was elected with the support of the People's Party, which is the largest opposition bloc in parliament. 

Anutin struck a deal with the People's Party to win their backing in a parliamentary vote in September.

As per that deal, Anutin was set to dissolve parliament within four months of being sworn in, hold a referendum on amending the constitution and take steps to resolve the border dispute.

Anutin and his Bhumjaithai Party have also faced strong criticism since late November over the government's handling the flooding situation in southern Thailand.

The opposition floated the possibility of submitting a non-confidence motion against Anutin's government ahead of a new parliamentary session due to begin on Friday, according to Nikkei Asia, the Japanese news agency.

Domestic affairs 'fraught' with multiple challenges, says monarchy

"Since the administration is a minority government and domestic political conditions are fraught with multiple challenges, the government cannot continue administering state affairs continuously, efficiently, and with stability," said the Royal Gazette, citing a report from Anutin.

The Royal Gazette is the journal used by the monarchy to communicate with the Thai public.

"Therefore, the appropriate solution is to dissolve the House of Representatives and hold a new general election," it said. 

Edited by: Roshni Majumdar, Karl Sexton