Thailand votes on new parliament and constitutional reform

Thailand’s 53 million eligible voters are to elect a new parliament on Sunday, while also determining in a referendum whether to initiate the formation of a new national constitution.

The aim would be to make the political system more democratic and reduce the influence of unelected institutions in the South-East Asian country.

According to polls, the reform-oriented People’s Party (PP), successor to the Move Forward Party dissolved by the Constitutional Court, leads the race to dominate the 500-seat lower house.

Its campaign is spearheaded by 38-year-old entrepreneur Natthapong Ruangpanyawut.

However, even if the PP wins the election, observers do not see it coming to power as in 2023, because powerful institutions and conservative elites can block it from forming a government.

Other important parties include the influential Pheu Thai and the conservative Bhumjaithai Party of incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Observers expect a close result and difficult coalition negotiations.

Thailand is characterized by great political instability. Anutin was the third head of government in two years and called the snap election in December while Thailand was involved in an armed border dispute with neighbouring Cambodia.

It was the second outbreak of violence along the roughly 800-kilometre border in a few months, partly stemming from a long-standing unresolved boundary line. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since late December.

Polling stations are open until 5 pm local time (1000 GMT). Preliminary results are expected shortly after voting, but official confirmation of all outcomes could take several weeks.