In an early and unpredictable election result, Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s leadership secured the most significant lead, setting up what analysts predict will be prolonged political instability. The race between the three main contenders—Bhumjaithai, People’s Party, and Pheu Thai—shows no single party has achieved a clear majority.
Analysts saw Anutin’s decision to stage the snap election in December as a calculated response amid ongoing border tensions with Cambodia, a move aimed at capitalizing on surging nationalist sentiments. The election, which drew large numbers of voters across the country, concluded Sunday evening, with results trickling in. By 5 PM local time (1000 GMT), preliminary returns indicated Bhumjaithai as the frontrunner, followed closely by Pheu Thai.
Prime Minister Anutin himself spoke at polling stations, stating, “We have done everything we could to win this election,” before casting his vote in Buriram city. His conservative party’s strong showing comes after they took power just under a month ago, following the removal of popular Prime Minister Paetongtarn from office.
Pheu Thai, which has faced numerous challenges since the ouster of Thaksin Shinawatra by the military last year, is still holding its ground. The People’s Party, promising structural reforms and economic revival in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, had previously dominated opinion polls but now finds itself in a potentially precarious position.
The election also involved voters deciding on whether to replace Thailand’s 2017 constitution, drafted by the military junta and criticized for concentrating power in undemocratic institutions. According to recent polling data, about two-thirds of voters supported drafting a new constitution—a move that could significantly influence future governance in Thailand.
Despite Pheu Thai’s turbulent past year, Bhumjaithai has taken advantage of nationalist fervor triggered by the Cambodia crisis and seen its support surge. This has led to significant defections among other parties, creating new battlegrounds like rural areas, where parties are increasingly incorporating figures from rival factions.
Anutin Charnvirakul’s rise marks a shift in political strategy for reform-minded People’s Party, which has toned down its previous anti-establishment stance and introduced fresh leadership. Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva is re-entering the fray through his now revitalized Democrat Party, positioning himself as a key player in post-election coalition negotiations.
As these election dynamics unfold, Thailand remains on edge, with many anticipating prolonged periods of political uncertainty, frequent clashes, and military interventions—a legacy of its often tumultuous history.