Thailand’s PM Anutin strengthens his authority with a commanding victory in the election

The Bhumjaithai Party, led by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, achieved a decisive victory in the general election held on Sunday, suggesting the possibility of a more stable coalition that could effectively address the ongoing political instability.

Anutin prepared for the snap election in mid-December amid a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, a strategy that political analysts suggested was orchestrated by the conservative leader to leverage rising nationalism.

The decision proved beneficial for a prime minister who, after succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the populist Pheu Thai party following her ousting due to the Cambodian crisis, chose to dissolve parliament in under 100 days.

“The success of Bhumjaithai today represents a triumph for all Thais, regardless of whether they cast their vote for the Bhumjaithai Party,” Anutin stated during a press briefing. “We must strive to serve the Thai people to the best of our ability.”

As nearly 95% of polling stations have reported, preliminary results from the election commission indicate that the Bhumjaithai Party is projected to secure approximately 192 seats, while the progressive People’s Party is expected to gain 117 seats, and the previously dominant Pheu Thai party is anticipated to receive 74 seats.

A few additional parties secured a total of 117 seats in the 500-seat parliament, based on a Reuters analysis of election commission data. ‘POWER TO GOVERN’

In December, Anutin announced the dissolution of parliament, attributing the decision to the dysfunction and infighting among rival parties that hindered the effective leadership of a minority government.

Napon Jatusripitak, a political scientist at the Bangkok-based Thailand Future think-tank, noted that although the Bhumjaithai Party is not expected to secure a majority outright, the results indicate it is well-positioned to advance its campaign pledges. These measures involve establishing a consumer subsidy program and terminating an agreement with Cambodia regarding maritime claims. “For the first time in a long time, we will likely have a government that possesses the necessary effective power to govern,” he stated. “We are witnessing what I would characterize as a strategic alliance among technocrats, conservative elites, and traditional politicians.”

Analysts noted that Anutin’s success hinged on his embrace of nationalism and Bhumjaithai’s strategy of appealing to politicians from rival parties in rural regions. Mathis Lohatepanont, an independent political analyst, remarked, “The scale of its victory was unanticipated, perhaps demonstrating that the more nationalist political environment and its ability to consolidate the conservative electorate all worked in its favour.”

PEOPLE’S PARTY DISMISSES COALITION PROPOSAL

As the results were being announced, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut acknowledged that, although some votes remained uncounted, it appeared unlikely that his party would secure a victory.

Natthaphong stated that the party would not participate in a government led by Bhumjaithai, nor would it create a rival coalition. “If Bhumjaithai is able to form a government, then we must take on the role of the opposition,” he remarked during a press conference.

The People’s Party, advocating for structural change and reforms in Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, consistently topped opinion polls throughout the campaign season.

In a survey conducted during the final week of the campaign and released on Sunday, the National Institute for Development Administration projected that Bhumjaithai would secure between 140 and 150 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, leading ahead of the People’s Party, which is expected to obtain 125-135 seats.

According to Mathis, the progressive party’s prior endorsement of Anutin for prime minister appears to have been a significant error, compromising its ideological integrity and enabling Bhumjaithai to reap the advantages of being in power.

In an interview with Reuters, Natthaphong expressed that he did not view the election outcome as a consequence of any errors made by his party. Rather, he emphasized that their opponents had been proactive and engaged. “I’m not attributing blame to any factors.” “We must now concentrate on the grassroots,” he stated. “We’ve accomplished quite a bit, yet we still haven’t managed to uncover what they possess.” It fell short of expectations.

Constitutional Referendum

During the vote, Thai voters were also asked to determine whether a new constitution should replace the 2017 military-backed charter, which critics argue has concentrated power in undemocratic institutions, including a powerful senate selected through an indirect process with limited public involvement.

The preliminary tally from the election commission indicated that voters supported the referendum by a margin of almost two to one.

Since the conclusion of its absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand has experienced 20 constitutions, with the majority of alterations occurring following military coups.

The new government and lawmakers can initiate the amendment process in parliament, with two additional referendums necessary for the adoption of a new constitution.