Anutin Claims Win as Bhumjaithai Leads Thai Vote, Coalition Talks Loom

Overview

• Preliminary counts reported by the Election Commission show Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai party in front, and he has publicly declared victory.
• Provisional seat tallies differ across outlets, with one latest report putting Bhumjaithai at 193 of 500 seats, short of a majority and subject to final certification.
• The progressive Party Popular, which led much of the campaign, says it will not enter a coalition with Bhumjaithai.
• Voters also weighed a referendum on starting a replacement of the 2017 military‑backed constitution, with outcomes not yet finalized in the coverage.
• Thai stocks gained more than 3% after the vote on reduced short‑term political risk, and officials indicate a new government could take office by late April.