BANGKOK — The prime minister of Thailand said Monday that he had received the king’s approval to dissolve Parliament seven months early. He set elections for July 3.

The dissolution, planned for Tuesday, opened the way for the next round in a sometimes violent political battle between Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s military-backed Democrat Party and parties supporting the fugitive former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a coup in 2006.

In a televised address, Mr. Abhisit said the election would allow voters to decide the future direction of the nation and would prove that Thailand can be governed by law rather than by the protests and military action that have caused continuing instability since the coup.

“I believe a dissolution of Parliament provides a new beginning for the people and progress for Thailand and for effective problem-solving process for the people and their families within the democratic system,” he said.