Thai PM’s party on track to win election in blow to pro-democracy camp

The prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai party looked set to win the most seats after more than half of votes were counted, with Thai TV channels projecting it would be by far the largest in parliament. "We are likely to take first place in the election," Anutin said at his party headquarters, adding: "The victory today belongs to all Thais, no matter whether you voted for us or not." Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the youthful, pro-democracy People’s party, conceded defeat: "Even though we can not establish a government today, I want everyone to keep walking, keep going and don’t give up.

Let’s keep fighting as long as we still have elections." The result was a major blow to the pro-democracy camp, which won the most seats and votes in the last election but was blocked from power by rivals in the military royalist establishment. Two previous iterations of the People’s party were dissolved and its leaders banned from politics by the constitutional court.

Thailand

anutin charnvirakul, bhumjaithai, election, pro-democracy, people's party, natthaphong ruengpanyawut, military royalist, constitutional court, parliament, seats