BANGKOK - Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has submitted a formal request to King Maha Vajiralongkorn for the dissolution of the lower House of Representatives, local media reported, citing a ruling party's senior official on Wednesday.

"Phumtham has taken steps to submit the request for the dissolution of parliament," the National Broadcasting Services of Thailand reported, quoting Pheu Thai Party secretary-general Sorawong Thienthong as saying.

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The decision came as the key opposition party, the People's Party, announced its support for the Bhumjaithai Party's candidate as prime minister in anticipation of the parliamentary vote.