Thailand: First General Election in Eight Years

Today 24 March, Thailand is having its first general election in eight years. It’s expected it will mark the end of five years of military rule after a bloodless power coup in 2014. Thailand saw months of political turmoil, social unrest and an election that was later ruled void by the constitutional court. But experts say, Politics in Thailand has been highly polarized for over a decade, and this election is no different. Rather than handing over power, the junta, known as the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is seeking to prolong their era via the ballot box, and have formed pro-military political parties, such as Phalang Pracharat. It is also seeking the return of the head of the NCPO, Prayut Chan-ocha, as prime minister.
Another key player is the pro-monarchist Democrat party. It has been a junta ally in the past, the Democrats helped usher in the 2014 coup and many predict they are likely to join a coalition with Phalang Pracharat to create a majority big enough to form a government.
On the other side of the table is the pro-democracy faction, most significantly Pheu Thai party and Future Forward party. Pheu Thai, which has won every election this century, was formed by and is still heavily influenced by exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. It is the leading pro-democracy party in Thailand and hugely popular. Even though Thaksin lives in exile in Hong Kong, he still commands huge loyalty and voters still consider a vote for Pheu Thai to be a vote for Thaksin.
The Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit was party formed in March last year by a billionaire businessman.  It has one of the most radical and progressive agendas and has gained huge momentum, particularly among younger voters who are less loyal to Thaksin and see Future Forward as a breath of fresh air. The election results are unlikely to be announced until days or weeks after 24 March. Officially, it doesn’t have to be declared until 8 May.