People’s party, which is pledging structural changes to Thailand’s political and economic system, leads opinion polls but is not expected to win outright majority
Polling stations opened in Thailand on Sunday for an election that pits a youthful pro-democracy party against rivals that are offering a mix of nationalism and populist policies.
The People’s party, which is pledging structural changes to Thailand’s political and economic system, has led opinion polls before Sunday’s vote, fuelled by support from younger voters. However, the party, led by 38-year-old former software engineer Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, is not expected to secure an outright majority, and may struggle to build a coalition. Its candidates are also facing a looming legal battle.
The party’s predecessor, Move Forward, which won the most votes and seats in the 2023 election, was blocked from power by its enemies in the powerful military royalist establishment, and dissolved by the constitutional court, which frequently intervenes in Thai politics, banning popular parties.
The People’s party is up against incumbent prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of Bhumjaithai, a staunch royalist who has sought to ride growing nationalism linked to Thailand’s conflict with Cambodia, as well as Pheu Thai, the populist party associated with now jailed former leader Thaksin Shinawatra.
