Bhumjaithai Party to Discuss Coalition Options After Surprise Election Victory

Thailand’s General Election Sees Conservative Party Secure Strong Lead

In the recent general election held on Sunday, Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party has secured a stronger-than-expected victory, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul claiming victory. According to Thai media, 93% of ballots have been counted, and the conservative Bhumjaithai is set to win at least 194 out of 500 seats in Thailand’s parliament.

The progressive People’s Party came in second, with an estimated 116 seats, while the Pheu Thai party of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra secured 76 seats. Anutin spoke to reporters on Sunday, stating that Thai voters have given his party “more than we expected” and expressing gratitude for their support.

Anutin stated that he is waiting for clarity on the final numbers and will hold internal discussions with each party on how to proceed in forming a coalition government. The People’s Party has ruled out joining a coalition led by Anutin, citing its own internal discussions.

The election result was seen as a surprise by some, but Thai voters expressed a desire for stability and economic growth. Polls at the end of January suggested the People’s Party was ahead of Bhumjaithai, but the outcome ultimately favored the conservative party.

Bhumjaithai will now seek to form a coalition with smaller parties, including Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao’s party, Kla Tham, which is expected to win 58 seats. The prime minister has indicated that if re-elected, incumbent ministers of finance, foreign affairs, and commerce would retain their roles in a new cabinet.

The election also saw Thai voters backing a proposal to change the constitution, with nearly two-thirds in favor of replacing the charter put in place after a 2014 military coup.

Source: Al Jazeera