Thais reject army-backed government, opposition to open coalition talks

Two major pro-democracy opposition parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party, are now expected to open coalition talks

But in a kingdom where coups and court orders have often trumped the ballot box, there have been fears the military could seek to cling on

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Supporters of the Move Forward Party cheer as they watch the counting of votes on television after Sunday’s election. Photo: AP

Published: 1:35pm, 14 May 2023Updated: 6:04am, 15 May 2023

Thai voters have delivered a clear rejection of nearly a decade of military-backed government, election results showed on Monday, backing two major pro-democracy opposition parties who are now expected to open coalition talks.

The progressive Move Forward Party (MFP), which wants to reform Thailand’s strict royal insult laws, looks on course to be the biggest party – setting up a potential clash with the kingdom’s powerful royalist-military elite.

Representatives of MFP had earlier told This Week in Asia they were optimistic of a strong result.

Leader of Move Forward Party Pita Limjaroenrat, centre left, takes a photo with his supporter after casting his vote in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. Photo: AP

The Election Commission is not expected to officially confirm the final number of seats won by each party for several weeks.

But early on Monday it forecast MFP to win 113 out of a total of 400 constituency seats, just ahead of Pheu Thai on 112. A further 100 seats will be allocated to parties on a proportional basis.

Who heads the next government will not be decided by Sunday’s vote alone. The prime minister will be selected in July in a joint session of the House and the 250-seat Senate. The winner must secure at least 376 votes and no party is likely to do that on its own.

Pheu Thai Party’s prime ministerial candidates Paetongtarn Shinawatra, right, and Srettha Thavisin at the party’s headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Voter Pakorn Adulpan, 85, said he was impressed by the quality of this year’s contest.

Thais reject army-backed government, opposition to open coalition talks

Two major pro-democracy opposition parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party, are now expected to open coalition talks But in a kingdom where coups and court orders have often trumped the ballot box, there have been fears the military could seek to cling on

Two major pro-democracy opposition parties, Pheu Thai and Move Forward Party, are now expected to open coalition talks

But in a kingdom where coups and court orders have often trumped the ballot box, there have been fears the military could seek to cling on