Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul: His party is surprisingly ahead.Image: keystone
Feb 8, 2026, 6:59 p.mFeb 8, 2026, 6:59 p.m
In the parliamentary election in Thailand, the conservative ruling party Bhumjaithai is surprisingly well ahead after around 80 percent of the votes were counted. According to these data from the Election Commission, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s party would have almost 180 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives.
The reform-oriented People’s Party (PP), which has long been considered the favorite, only achieved around 80 mandates. In third place is the populist Pheu Thai Party, which has its strongholds primarily in rural regions.
The People’s Party (PP) led by candidate Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (M.) was considered the favorite, but only won around 80 seats. Image: keystone
Probably not an absolute majority
The counting had been delayed again and again – even hours after the polling stations closed, results were only available slowly. If the result is confirmed, difficult coalition negotiations are likely to take place because no party would have an absolute majority.
The progressive PP has already admitted its electoral defeat. She had announced that she would go into opposition if she did not win the election.
In the last election so far in 2023, conservative political forces prevented the PP’s predecessor party – Move Forward – from coming to power despite its election victory. Move Forward was even banned by the Constitutional Court in 2023.
Referendum on constitutional reform
The kingdom has long been characterized by great political instability. Thailand has recently had three different heads of government in two years.
Along with the parliamentary election, the 53 million eligible voters were also able to vote on whether a new, more democratic constitution should be introduced. According to preliminary results, a large majority agreed to such a reform. (sda/dpa)