Thailand’s political landscape moved closer to a new government formation after the conservative Bhumjaithai Party secured a coalition agreement with the Pheu Thai Party following the country’s general election. With unofficial Election Commission results showing Bhumjaithai winning 193 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives, the party emerged as the dominant political force and is now positioned to retain power.
Pheu Thai, which finished third with 74 seats, agreed to join the proposed coalition despite past political tensions between the two parties. Together, they command 267 seats — comfortably crossing the 251-seat threshold required to form a parliamentary majority. Support pledged by several smaller parties further strengthens the alliance, significantly improving the bloc’s chances of forming a stable government and returning incumbent Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to office.
Speaking alongside Pheu Thai leaders at a joint appearance, Anutin emphasised reconciliation and future cooperation, stating that both parties had agreed to move beyond earlier disputes and focus on stability and long-term governance. Senior figures from Pheu Thai, including prime ministerial candidate Yodchanan Wongsawat, signalled readiness to work as coalition partners despite the party’s reduced electoral standing.
The alliance marks a notable political shift. After the 2023 election, Pheu Thai had led coalition negotiations as the senior partner, but that government later collapsed amid controversy involving former prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The fallout created an opening for Anutin, who secured parliamentary backing and assumed the premiership last September.
Pheu Thai’s performance in the latest election represents one of its weakest showings in decades. Political movements aligned with former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had dominated Thai electoral politics since 2001, but analysts say the party lost support after earlier alliances with pro-military groups alienated parts of its traditional pro-democracy base. The loss of strongholds such as Chiang Mai — Thaksin’s hometown — underscored the scale of its decline, reducing it to a junior coalition role for the first time in its history.
The progressive People’s Party, which finished second with 118 seats, has ruled out joining a Bhumjaithai-led administration, narrowing coalition options but not threatening the current majority arithmetic. Observers suggest Bhumjaithai may still invite additional partners, such as the Kla Tham Party or the Democrat Party, to broaden parliamentary support and ensure long-term stability.
Thailand’s business community welcomed the emerging coalition, expressing hope that a stable government could address economic challenges facing the country. However, the post-election environment remains tense, with protests reported in several areas over alleged voting irregularities.
Election monitoring organisations described the polls as largely peaceful but highlighted procedural concerns, including restricted observer access, discrepancies in ballot counts, and complaints related to vote tabulation. Legal monitoring groups reported thousands of grievances, raising pressure on authorities to ensure transparency before final certification.
Official election results must be confirmed within 60 days, after which Parliament will convene to formally elect the prime minister and allow the new government to take office.
