【Thailand Election】Bhumjaithai Party Wins, Anutin Prepares to Start Coalition Talks

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin, after leading his conservative Bhumjaithai Party to a surprising electoral victory, commenced coalition talks on the 9th.

According to Thai Public Television, as of 11 pm local time on the 8th (midnight Malaysian time on the 9th), unofficial vote counts showed Bhumjaithai Party had secured 197 seats, including 178 constituency seats and 19 party-list seats. The People's Party, which had led in several pre-election polls, won 110 seats, including 80 constituency seats and 30 party-list seats. The Pheu Thai Party came in third, expected to win about 80 to 100 seats.

Contrary to external expectations, the Bhumjaithai Party left the reformist People's Party behind.

Bhumjaithai Party's victory in the election means Anutin is expected to continue governing.

Although Bhumjaithai Party won far more seats than other parties, it still has not reached an absolute majority, which requires 251 out of 500 seats in the lower house (House of Representatives).

Pheu Thai is seen as a potential partner for Anutin to form a coalition government. The two were previously allies, until the Bhumjaithai Party withdrew after a scandal involving the Cambodia border dispute, straining their relationship.

Anutin refused to give a direct response about potential coalition talks, pointing out that the election results are still unofficial.

He said: "We will wait for the situation to become clearer, and each party must convene its executive committee to discuss their respective positions."

Natthapong: The People's Party Will Become the Opposition

After the unofficial Thai election results were announced, People's Party leader Natthapong conceded defeat in the general election and reiterated that the People's Party would not form a competing government.

With 31% of votes counted, Natthapong said at party headquarters on the 8th: "We acknowledge we did not win first place, and we insist on respecting the principle that the winning party has the right to form the government."

He said that if Bhumjaithai forms the government, the People's Party is prepared to become the opposition, and added that the People's Party would not support Bhumjaithai leader Anutin as Prime Minister.

Pheu Thai Party leader Chulaporn said at a press conference that the party is ready to serve the public in any role, whether in government or opposition, and that no discussions regarding forming a coalition government had yet taken place.

He also said: "We accept and respect the people's decision, even if the results may not match our expectations."

Political analyst Napon predicted Bhumjaithai Party would "act quickly" to form a government to ensure its interests remain dominant.

Napon pointed out: "Given the seat allocation, Bhumjaithai Party is very likely to lead a government dominated by its own faction and will have the most decisive influence in policy direction and implementation."