Thailand’s voters back change as opposition parties surge forward in partial election results

Thailand’s political opposition appears to be on the way to a big win in Sunday’s election, as voters are activated in the forces behind both parties promising major changes and an end to a decade of conservative government led or supported by the military.

The Pheu Thai party and the liberal Move Forward party advanced with more than 90 percent of the votes counted, but are far from certain to lead the next government, with parliamentary rules written by the military after a 2014 coup lopsided.

In order to rule, the opposition parties must make a deal, including members of the Senate appointed by the junta who side with the military party and who will choose who will be the prime minister and form the government.

Sunday’s election is the latest showdown in a long battle for power between Pheu Thai, the populist juggernaut of the billionaire Shinawatra family, and old money, conservative and military ties that hold sway over key institutions amid two decades of turmoil. .

But the stunning performance by Move Forward as riding on a wave of support from young voters will try to resolve the problems of the establishment and the ruling party of Thailand, after approaching the clean capital of Bangkok, campaigning on the platform of institutional reform and dissolving business monopolies.

Its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, a 43-year-old former ride-hailing app executive, described the result as “sensational” and vowed to stay true to the party’s values ​​when forming a government.

“It will be an anti-dictatorship-backed, military-backed party, of course,” he told reporters. “I think it’s safe to say that minority government is no longer possible in Thailand.”

He said he remains open to an alliance with Pheu Thai, but has turned his attention to the premiership.

“If Move Forward comes first, we will form a government and I will be the prime minister,” added Pita.

big punch

The preliminary results will be a devastating blow to the military and its allies, with Palang Pracharat, the former junta’s political vehicle, and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s United Thai Nation looking set to lose heavily.

Prayuth, the retired general who led the last coup, has campaigned for continuity after nine years in charge, warning of instability from a change in government.

On Sunday, Prayuth quietly fled the party headquarters, where no supporters were seen.

Several staff sat next to plates of uneaten food and a giant television screen showed a live speech by the leader of Move Forward.

“I hope this country is peaceful and prosperous,” he told reporters. “I respect democracy and elections. Thank you.”

Preliminary results are expected for Pheu Thai, which along with its previous incarnation was dissolved by the court has dominated Thai elections, winning the most votes in every ballot since 2001, including two landslide victories.

Founded by polarizing tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, Pheu Thai remains popular among the working class and hopes to return to power because of nostalgia for a raft of populist policies, such as cheap health care, micro-loans and cheap agricultural subsidies. .

‘People’s voice matters most’

Thaksin’s son Paetongtarn, 36, is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and become prime minister.

He says he likes Move Forward, but it’s too soon to discuss an alliance.

“People’s voices matter the most,” he said.

Move Forward saw its final rally in opinion polls and bets for 3.3 million first-time voters to get behind the liberal agenda, including plans to weaken the political role of the military and overhaul tough royal insult laws that critics say were used to prevent it. argue.

Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, said Move Forward’s surge represented a major shift in Thai politics.

“Pheu Thai is fighting the wrong war. Pheu Thai is fighting a war of populism that has won,” he said.

“Move Forward takes the game to the next level with institutional reforms. It’s a new battleground in Thai politics. And today’s votes are proof of Move Forward’s forward-looking program for Thailand.”