During early general elections on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Thai voters elected a new 500-seat House of Representatives and voted in a national referendum on drafting a new constitution to replace the military-backed 2017 constitution.

Approximately 60 political parties participated in these elections. Four hundred of the 500 seats are allocated according to the majority system, while the remaining 100 seats are allocated based on each party’s share of the national vote.

The elections, which can be seen as a three-way contest between competing visions of progressive, populist, and old-fashioned clientelist politics, took place during a tense period, in which the border conflict with Cambodia fueled nationalist sentiments, and accusations of corruption and complicity of Thai politicians in the further expansion of scam centers on the borders with Cambodia and Myanmar caused sensation and discussion, especially on social media. For an interesting overview, see the Insight documentary from the Singapore-based English-language Asian news network CNA Mediacorp.

Voter turnout was high, with nearly 52 million registered voters. Furthermore, the country has had three prime ministers in just two years, contributing to the sense of urgency. 

On August 29, 2025, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed from office by the Constitutional Court due to her controversial involvement in a phone call with the de-facto leader of Cambodia, Hun Sen. Amidst military confrontations and tensions at the border between the two countries, Paetongtarn was criticized for being too submissive by calling Hun Sen “uncle” and even undermining Thailand with remarks that directly labeled the Thai army general as an individual “on the other side” of the conflict.

The election results surprised some observers. Pre-election polls had indicated a stronger showing for progressive groups. Instead, voters gave a clear victory to conservative, establishment-friendly parties that emphasized nationalism, stability, patriotism, and support for the monarchy. For many voters, maintaining the status quo seemed safer amidst security concerns, income inequality, economic problems, and political divisions at home. As the BBC’s Jonathan Head observed: “At the national level the People’s Party, with nearly 10 million votes, did much better in the party list than Bhumjaithai, with just under six million votes, although this was still a big drop compared to the more than 14 million Move Forward, the previous incarnation of the People’s Party, won in 2023”.

Nevertheless, the general election placed the Bhumjaithai party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, 59, comfortably in the lead. With approximately 95% of the votes counted by early February 9, Bhumjaithai had won 194 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. This is a significant improvement over previous results, as the party only came in third place in the last election in 2023 with 71 out of 500 parliamentary seats. However, it is not enough for a majority, as 251 seats are needed to form a government without coalition partners.

Anutin declared victory on election night, saying the victory belonged to “all Thais.” He based his campaign on unity, the protection of Thai sovereignty, and the concept of “Thai identity,” specifically nation, religion, and monarchy. After all, Bhumjaithai stands for “Thai pride.” 

Support for that message grew during the border conflict with Cambodia, which played a major role in the final weeks of the campaign. The border conflicts with Cambodia allowed Anutin to re-establish himself as a wartime leader, after his popularity had initially declined due to floods and financial scandals. His campaign focused on national security and economic stimulus.

Anutin’s rise reflects years of strategic maneuvering by Bhumjaithai, a party originating from the northeastern province of Buriram, adjecent to Cambodja.

The party’s patriarch, Newin Chidchob, was once an ally of former Prime Minister Thaksin, until a break with him in 2008 marked a turning point in Bhumjaithai’s rise, transforming the party from a regional power player into a national force.

Anutin, known by the nickname “Noo” – Thai for mouse – embodies the party’s ideological flexibility. He has served in multiple governments and held some of the most powerful ministerial positions.

As Minister of Public........

© Eurasia Review