Thailand’s conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul won a clear victory in Sunday’s parliamentary election, marking a major political turning point for the country. According to early projections, his Bhumjaithai Party secured nearly 200 of the 500 seats in parliament, making it the strongest political force. Speaking after the results were announced, Anutin said the victory belonged to “all Thai people, whether they voted for us or not,” calling for unity after years of political division.
The reform-oriented People’s Party finished second with just over 100 seats, while the Pheu Thai Party, linked to the powerful Shinawatra family, placed third. Before the election, polls had predicted a win for the People’s Party, but its leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut accepted defeat on election night and recognized Anutin’s right to form the next government.
The election was the second in three years and followed months of political tension. Anutin became prime minister in September after Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by the constitutional court over her handling of a border conflict with Cambodia. Although reformist forces initially supported Anutin’s temporary leadership, they demanded quick elections, leading to Sunday’s vote.
Anutin is now expected to form a coalition government, likely with the Pheu Thai Party, his former partner. Both leaders come from powerful political families, reflecting how elite dynasties still shape Thai politics. Anutin’s family built its wealth through major construction projects, while the Shinawatras dominated politics for decades before losing influence following Thaksin Shinawatra’s imprisonment.
Alongside the election, voters supported a referendum calling for a new constitution, with about 60 percent backing reform. The current charter, written after the 2014 military coup, gives strong political power to an unelected senate, limiting democratic control.
The campaign unfolded during a tense border dispute with Cambodia, which boosted Anutin’s popularity after he gave the military broad authority to protect national security. A fragile ceasefire has held since late December.
Even daily life reflected the importance of the vote, as alcohol sales were banned nationwide for 24 hours, surprising many tourists. As coalition talks begin, Thailand now faces a critical moment, balancing hopes for reform with its long history of political conflict.
