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Thailand awaits election results after turbulent political period
Thailand is tallying votes following an early election triggered by the collapse of multiple coalition governments, which saw the nation cycle through three prime ministers in three years. Results are anticipated by 22:00 local time (15:00 GMT).
Reformists vs. conservatives in a closely watched contest
The election pitted the reformist People's Party against conservative forces led by incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnavirakul. Polls had predicted a neck-and-neck race between the two factions. Early vote counts, with 18% tallied, show Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party leading with 178 constituency seats, while the People's Party trails with 70.
Unelected institutions shape Thailand's political landscape
Thailand's political system has been repeatedly disrupted by unelected bodies, including the military-appointed senate and the constitutional court. In the last election, the People's Party secured a victory, only to be blocked from forming a government and later dissolved by the court. Similar interventions have targeted other parties challenging the status quo, including five Pheu Thai prime ministers dismissed since 2008.
Patriotism and populism dominate campaign promises
Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party has capitalized on nationalist sentiment following last year's brief border conflicts with Cambodia, vowing to protect traditional institutions like the monarchy and military. Meanwhile, the Pheu Thai Party, historically dominant with its populist policies, has promised to create nine new millionaires daily through a national prize draw. Both parties have offered subsidies and cash handouts to voters.
However, Pheu Thai's support has waned after its last coalition government was accused of mishandling the Cambodia conflict, and its leader, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was imprisoned.
Economic stagnation fuels voter frustration
Thailand's economy has stalled amid political instability and structural stagnation, raising concerns among foreign investors. Voters like civil servant Phananya Bunthong express worries about rising costs and the relocation of factories to neighboring countries like Vietnam. "I want the economy to improve," Bunthong told the BBC.
People's Party pushes for radical change
Led by Nattaphong Ruengpanyawut, the People's Party has campaigned on sweeping reforms, including curbing the power of big businesses and the military, streamlining bureaucracy, and modernizing education. Yet even a clear electoral victory may not secure its position, as previous iterations of the party were dissolved by the courts, and its leaders barred from politics.
If the People's Party surpasses the 151 seats it won in 2023, conservative forces may still intervene to block its governance. Analysts suggest that if Anutin's Bhumjaithai matches or exceeds the reformists' seat count, he is likely to retain the premiership with backing from the establishment.
Constitutional referendum alongside election
Alongside the election, Thais voted in a referendum on whether to reform the 2017 constitution, drafted under military rule. Critics argue the charter grants excessive power to unelected bodies like the senate, undermining democratic governance. "I want change. I don't want things to be the same," 28-year-old voter Kittitat Daengkongkho told the BBC.
The election ultimately presented voters with a stark choice: embrace sweeping change or maintain the status quo.
