Polls open in Thailand with three main parties vying for power | Politics News
Polls Open in Thailand’s General Election Amidst Political Uncertainty
Polls have opened in Thailand for a closely watched general election, with progressive reformers, military-backed conservatives, and populist forces competing for control. Voting commenced Sunday at 8 a.m. local time (01:00 GMT) and is scheduled to close at 5 p.m. (10:00 GMT).
The Election Commission reported that over 2.2 million voters had participated in early voting, which began on February 1. This election takes place against a backdrop of slow economic growth and rising nationalist sentiment, with 53 million registered voters expected to cast their ballots.
Although more than 50 parties are contesting the election, only three main parties—the People’s Party, Bhumjaithai, and Pheu Thai—are likely to secure a substantial share of the vote. With 500 parliamentary seats available and surveys indicating no party is likely to achieve an outright majority, coalition negotiations are anticipated.
The progressive People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is projected to win the most seats. However, the party’s reformist agenda, which aims to diminish military and judicial influence and reform economic policies, may alienate potential allies. The People’s Party is the successor to the Move Forward Party, which previously won the most seats in the House of Representatives in 2023 but was prevented from forming a government due to Senate opposition and subsequent dissolution by the Constitutional Court.
Bhumjaithai, led by caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, is considered a strong supporter of the military establishment. Anutin, in office since September, called for the election after dissolving parliament in December to preempt a no-confidence vote. His campaign has focused on economic stimulus and national security, drawing on nationalist sentiment fueled by border conflicts with Cambodia.
Pheu Thai, linked to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, portrays itself as a populist option with a focus on economic revival. The party has proposed cash handouts and has nominated Thaksin’s nephew, Yodchanan Wongsawat, as its lead candidate.
In addition to the parliamentary vote, Sunday’s election includes a referendum on whether to replace the 2017 military-drafted constitution. Pro-democracy advocates view a new charter as essential for reducing the influence of unelected entities such as the military and judiciary, while conservatives express concerns about potential instability.
As the polls close, the outcome will be closely monitored, as coalition dynamics and party negotiations will shape Thailand’s political landscape in the coming months.
