Voters in Thailand delivered a surprise boost to the conservative Bhumjaithai Party in a general election that reshapes the country’s political balance and strengthens forces aligned with the military and monarchy.
As of early Monday local time, with more than 90% of polling stations reporting, unofficial results from Thailand’s Election Commission showed the party of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul leading with about 194 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. The outcome more than doubles the party’s previous strength in parliament and puts Anutin in position to form the next government, likely through a coalition.
A simple majority of 251 seats is required to elect a prime minister. The results indicated Bhumjaithai would need support from other parties to reach that threshold.
The progressive People’s Party, which had been widely expected to win the most seats, was in second place with about 116 seats, according to the commission’s running tally. The populist Pheu Thai party, linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, trailed with about 76 seats.
It remained unclear which parties would ultimately join a governing coalition, although political analysts said Pheu Thai could be a potential partner.
The election took place during a period of sluggish economic growth and rising nationalist sentiment following border clashes with Cambodia last year. The campaign drew participation from more than 50 parties, but only a handful mounted serious nationwide efforts.
Thailand’s lower house includes 400 constituency lawmakers elected directly and 100 party-list members allocated proportionally based on nationwide party votes. As of Monday, the People’s Party had received significantly more party-list votes than Bhumjaithai, though that advantage translated into fewer overall seats because most seats are decided in local constituency races.
Bhumjaithai’s success reflected its strength in provincial areas, where established political networks and local power brokers play a major role in mobilizing voters. The party also attracted defectors from other political groups in recent years, expanding its reach beyond its earlier regional base.
The results marked a setback for Thailand’s reformist movement, which surged in the 2023 election under its previous incarnation as the Move Forward Party. That party was later dissolved by court order, and several of its leaders were barred from politics. The successor People’s Party was also forced to retreat from its proposal to amend Thailand’s strict royal defamation law after court rulings.
Turnout appeared lower than in the previous general election. As of Monday, election officials had not released a final participation rate, but local media reported voter turnout of about 65%, down from roughly 75% in 2023.
Voters also approved a referendum calling for steps toward drafting a new constitution to replace the one introduced after a 2014 military coup. The process is expected to involve additional referendums and lengthy negotiations.
Anutin, a businessman who became prime minister last year after his predecessor was removed by the Constitutional Court, campaigned on stability and national unity. His party’s alignment with Thailand’s military and royalist establishment could reduce the risk of the judicial interventions and political upheaval that have frequently disrupted governments led by more reformist parties.
Thailand is a U.S. treaty ally but has expanded economic ties with China in recent years. A stable government could help restore investor confidence in an economy weighed down by high household debt and weak growth.
Final certified results are expected in the coming weeks.
