Thailand Election 2026: People’s Party loses ground as Bhumjaithai nears landslide

2026-02-08 - 16:06

BANGKOK — Thailand’s general election on Sunday night produced one of the country’s most dramatic political upsets in recent years, according to unofficial results, with the conservative Bhumjaithai Party surging to a near landslide victory while the progressive People’s Party suffered a steep and unexpected decline. Despite early polling suggesting the People’s Party would once again emerge as the largest party, unofficial tallies showed it winning fewer than 100 seats, while Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party secured close to 200 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. The result marked a stunning reversal from the previous election, in which the People’s Party — buoyed by strong support from young voters and urban constituencies — finished first and secured 151 seats. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut after a press conference at the People’s Party headquarters in Bangkok. People’s Party falls short of expectations The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, had been widely expected to top the polls again, even after moderating some policies previously seen as legally sensitive. The party was still viewed as the leading choice among younger voters and residents of major cities. However, unofficial results indicated the party would win around 108 seats, a sharp drop from its previous performance. Speaking at the party headquarters, Natthaphong acknowledged the setback. “At this moment, we may not be the number one party,” he said. “This is consistent with the position I and the party leadership have always maintained — we must respect parliamentary principles and allow the leading party to form the government first.” Asked to analyse the outcome, Natthaphong said the decision ultimately rested with voters. “No matter the reasons behind how people voted today, the People’s Party is ready to continue working in politics, to rebuild political institutions and to push forward policies for all people,” he said. Despite nationwide losses, the People’s Party performed strongly in Bangkok, where it led in every constituency and was expected to sweep all 33 seats in the capital. Bhumjaithai celebrates major victory Prime Minister Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was seen embracing his wife in an emotional moment as unofficial results indicated the party was on course to secure close to 200 seats, a dramatic increase from the 71 seats it won in the 2023 election. Prime Minister Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party. Anutin described the outcome as a mandate from the public. “This victory belongs to the people, not only to the Bhumjaithai Party,” he said. “The election result is a clear instruction from the people for us to administer the country, create prosperity and solve national problems.” He said the party would uphold democratic principles under the constitutional monarchy, adding that the victory belonged to all Thais, regardless of how they voted. Pheu Thai also loses ground Pheu Thai Party, which nominated Yodchanan Wongsawat — nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra — as its prime ministerial candidate, was projected to win around 80 seats, down sharply from the 141 seats it gained in the previous election. Referendum backs drafting of new constitution Alongside the parliamentary election, voters also took part in a nationwide referendum on whether Thailand should draft a new constitution to replace the charter introduced after the 2014 military coup. Unofficial referendum results showed more than 57% of voters supported drafting a new constitution. Challenges ahead for incoming government The election took place against a backdrop of mounting national challenges. Thailand is grappling with a severe economic slowdown, with GDP growth this year projected to be the weakest among ASEAN countries. The country is also facing heightened tensions with neighbouring Cambodia, following deadly clashes that claimed civilian lives. Land border crossings between the two countries remain closed, posing a key diplomatic and security challenge for the next government.