In a momentous nationwide election, Thai opposition parties have emerged triumphant, delivering a resounding blow to the military-backed establishment that has governed the country since a coup in 2014. The election witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout as citizens rallied for change, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic power shift. With over 99% of votes counted, the progressive Move Forward party has secured 151 seats, closely followed by the populist Pheu Thai party with 141 seats. This places the opposition well ahead of the incumbent Prime Minister, Prayut Chan-o-cha, who led the 2014 coup.
Pita Limjaroenrat, the leader of the Move Forward party, expressed his readiness to assume leadership in a tweet, emphasizing the party’s belief in a better Thailand and the possibility of change. He called upon Pheu Thai and other opposition parties to form an alliance against Prayut, signaling the formation of a coalition government. Pita, a Harvard alumnus with a business background, pledged to push for amendments to Thailand’s strict lese majeste laws, despite the taboo surrounding discussions about the royal family. He emphasized the importance of supporting individuals facing lese majeste charges and warned that the strained relationship between the Thai people and the monarchy would only worsen if the law remained unchanged.
The election results deliver a scathing verdict against Thailand’s military-backed establishment and traditionalist forces, as they suffered a resounding defeat in the popular vote. The outcome signifies a remarkable shift in Thai politics, particularly considering the country’s past reluctance to discuss reforms regarding the lese majeste law.
However, the military establishment still holds significant influence over the selection of the next prime minister and the formation of the government. Under the junta-era constitution, Thailand’s 250-seat senate is entirely appointed by the military, likely favoring a pro-military candidate. This factor introduces uncertainty regarding who will ultimately assume power, despite the clear mandate for change expressed by voters.
The election saw the renowned Pheu Thai party, which has long been a populist force in Thai politics, competing against parties supported by the conservative establishment. Pheu Thai, led by the Shinawatra family dynasty, graciously accepted the election result and acknowledged Move Forward’s victory. The emergence of the Move Forward party as a dynamic political force, with its radical national reform agenda, appealed strongly to Thailand’s youth. The party garnered immense support from the young population, including millions of first-time voters who felt marginalized during years of military rule.
This election marked a significant milestone following the pro-democracy protests in 2020, where Thai youth demanded democratic reforms, military accountability, constitutional amendments, and limitations on the powers of the monarchy. It also stands as only the second election since the 2014 coup, which overthrew the democratically elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, leading to Prayut’s rise to power.
As the official results are expected within five days and endorsement of the winners will take approximately 60 days, the path forward remains uncertain. The opposition’s victory in this landmark election reflects the Thai people’s desire for change and sets the stage for potential shifts in power dynamics and the country’s political landscape.