Opposition dominates Thai general election

As of 9 PM on May 14th, approximately 20% of the votes had been counted. Accordingly, the opposition Pheu Thai party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is leading with 107 seats in parliament . The opposition Forward Party (MFP) follows with 86 seats. Meanwhile, the United Thai National Party of incumbent Prime Minister Prayuth is in a stronger position.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha casts his vote in Bangkok on May 14.

Chan-ocha won only 27 seats, and the Civic Force party of Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan won only 36 seats. However, the final number of seats each side officially won will only be confirmed in several weeks.

This result is similar to the results of quick polls at polling stations and pre-election opinion surveys, which showed Pheu Thai as having a high probability of winning. However, there is no guarantee that the opposition will take power, even if they form a coalition.

According to the 2017 constitution drafted by the military, 500 MPs elected on May 14th, along with 250 senators appointed by Prayut's government, will vote to choose the prime minister. This means Pheu Thai and the MFP must win 376 seats to form a government .

The country has experienced dozens of coups, protests, and the dissolution of political parties by court orders. Therefore, AFP believes that an unclear or controversial result in this election could lead to a new wave of instability.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/phe-doi-lap-chiem-uu-the-trong-tong-tuyen-cu-thai-lan-185230515000259199.htm