Thailand election sees reformists and conservatives vie for power

Leaders of two of Thailand's major political parties voted Sunday in the general election, which local polls consistently project that no single party will gain a majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government.

People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut arrived at his local station in Bangkok in high spirits. His progressive party is seen as favored to win a plurality but its reformist politics aren't shared by its leading rivals, which may freeze it out by joining forces to form a government.

"No matter what's in the people's mind, nationalism or anything else, I think the election result today, we will decide how our country, our Thailand is going to be in the future. So let it be on the people's voice and I believe in the people's voice," he told media after voting.

The prime ministerial candidate for the opposition Pheu Thai Party, Yodchanan Wongsawat, also voted on Sunday. His party, backed by the billionaire former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra came to power after the last election in 2023 but have since had two leaders ousted and waning popularity.

"I think that would be a really important day for Thai citizens. I would like to invite everyone to come out for the voting," Yodchanan said. "And not just only the voting, this time there would be some of the referendum, as well. And if you would like to amend the constitution, I think that would be the time. I would like everyone, their right to vote is very important."

Incumbent prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul is also expected to vote in Buriram province, northeast Thailand.