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Thailand began voting on Sunday, with progressive reformist parties leading pre-election polls, while the incumbent conservative Anutin Charnvirakul is widely expected to remain prime minister.
No party is forecast to win a majority, and coalition talks are expected once results are announced later on Sunday after polls closed at 5:00 pm (1000 GMT).
The People’s Party, successor to the dissolved Move Forward, topped opinion polls. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said he anticipated a mandate from voters and said the party aimed to form a government “that serves the people rather than a privileged few.”
Thailand has seen three prime ministers in just two years. Pheu Thai, led by jailed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, had formed a coalition with Bhumjaithai in 2023, but its prime minister was ousted by court order.
Thaksin’s daughter, Paetongtarn, was later removed, and Anutin assumed the premiership in September.
Meanwhile, Pheu Thai’s candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat said Thailand needed change, though polls currently place the party at just 16 per cent.
Campaigns also showed populist policies, including cash prizes from Pheu Thai to boost the economy, while a concurrent referendum allowed voters to express support for constitutional reform.
