Thailand has voted in an early election called after multiple coalition governments collapsed, giving the country three prime ministers in as many years. Just like in 2023, this election pits those advocating far-reaching change, the People's Party, against conservative forces led by incumbent PM Anutin Charnavirakul.
When the young reformers won last time, the military-appointed senate barred them from forming a government and the constitutional court dissolved the party. Powerful, unelected forces have repeatedly intervened to block parties challenging the status quo in Thailand. Results will become clear around 22:00 local time (15:00 GMT), but no party is likely to win a majority.
The big question hangs over this election: how well will the People's Party perform, which has been leading the polls? They face a strong challenge from Anutin, who has built his once small, provincial Bhumjaithai - Thai Pride party - into the standard-bearer for Thai conservatives. He has played on patriotic sentiment after two brief border wars with Cambodia last year, while promising to defend traditional Thai institutions such as the monarchy and military.
The third main contender is the Shinawatra family and its Pheu Thai party, which has dominated elections in the past with well-marketed populist policies including a promise to create nine new millionaires every day through a national prize draw. However, Pheu Thai is expected to lose significant support after accusations of mishandling the conflict with Cambodia, and its patriarch, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, facing imprisonment.
Voters are equally concerned about the state of Thailand’s economy, which has ground to a halt due to political instability. Many are worried about rising costs and ask for substantial changes, as civil servants voice their wishes for better economic conditions. The People's Party, led by Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut, promises to curtail the power of large businesses, reform the military, streamline bureaucracy, and modernize the education system.
But in Thailand, winning an election is often insufficient. Previous versions of the People's Party have been dissolved, with their leaders banned from politics. Despite this, if the People's Party exceeds the 151 seats it won in 2023, it may be difficult to prevent it from forming a government — although intervention from courts or other forces is expected. Meanwhile, ongoing voting on a referendum could also reshape the political landscape, influencing the significant power held by unelected forces.
Ultimately, voters face a crucial decision - do they want sweeping changes or more of the same?
When the young reformers won last time, the military-appointed senate barred them from forming a government and the constitutional court dissolved the party. Powerful, unelected forces have repeatedly intervened to block parties challenging the status quo in Thailand. Results will become clear around 22:00 local time (15:00 GMT), but no party is likely to win a majority.
The big question hangs over this election: how well will the People's Party perform, which has been leading the polls? They face a strong challenge from Anutin, who has built his once small, provincial Bhumjaithai - Thai Pride party - into the standard-bearer for Thai conservatives. He has played on patriotic sentiment after two brief border wars with Cambodia last year, while promising to defend traditional Thai institutions such as the monarchy and military.
The third main contender is the Shinawatra family and its Pheu Thai party, which has dominated elections in the past with well-marketed populist policies including a promise to create nine new millionaires every day through a national prize draw. However, Pheu Thai is expected to lose significant support after accusations of mishandling the conflict with Cambodia, and its patriarch, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, facing imprisonment.
Voters are equally concerned about the state of Thailand’s economy, which has ground to a halt due to political instability. Many are worried about rising costs and ask for substantial changes, as civil servants voice their wishes for better economic conditions. The People's Party, led by Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut, promises to curtail the power of large businesses, reform the military, streamline bureaucracy, and modernize the education system.
But in Thailand, winning an election is often insufficient. Previous versions of the People's Party have been dissolved, with their leaders banned from politics. Despite this, if the People's Party exceeds the 151 seats it won in 2023, it may be difficult to prevent it from forming a government — although intervention from courts or other forces is expected. Meanwhile, ongoing voting on a referendum could also reshape the political landscape, influencing the significant power held by unelected forces.
Ultimately, voters face a crucial decision - do they want sweeping changes or more of the same?
