Surprise verdict: Thailand hands lead to Anutin as conservatives stage strong comeback

Defying almost every pre-election survey, Thailand has delivered a decisive rightward verdict , choosing conservative stability, nationalism and traditional leadership over reform-driven change.

In a result that surprised political observers, the ruling Bhumjaithai Party , led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul , emerged as the single largest force in Sunday’s general election, marking the country’s first clear conservative consolidation of power in years.

According to unofficial figures released by the Election Commission, with nearly 94 per cent of votes counted, Bhumjaithai secured around 193 seats in the 500 member House of Representatives . Though short of the 251 seat majority , the party is comfortably placed to form a coalition government, likely allowing Anutin to retain the top post.

The outcome sharply contradicted pre poll projections that had favoured the progressive People’s Party. Instead, voters across much of rural and provincial Thailand rallied behind Bhumjaithai’s message of national security, economic stimulus and political order.

Analysts say the result reflects a broader public mood. After years of political turbulence, leadership reshuffles, corruption controversies and slow growth, many Thais appear to have chosen stability over experimentation .

The People’s Party finished second with 118 seats , sweeping Bangkok and urban centres, while Pheu Thai , long considered an electoral heavyweight, slumped to 74 seats , one of its weakest performances in decades. Despite the setback, Pheu Thai may still join a coalition led by Bhumjaithai.

Anutin’s political fortunes improved in recent months after border tensions with Cambodia allowed him to project himself as a firm, security focused leader. His campaign leaned heavily on nationalism and welfare promises, while the party relied on deep provincial networks and local alliances to consolidate votes outside major cities.

Beyond domestic politics, the result may also carry geopolitical significance . Observers believe Anutin’s pragmatic and security oriented approach could provide the United States with a steadier partner in Southeast Asia, at a time of growing regional strategic competition.

In a parallel referendum, nearly 60 per cent of voters supported initiating the process to replace the military drafted 2017 constitution , signalling that while voters backed conservative leadership, they still seek long term institutional reform.

For now, however, the message from the ballot box is clear. Thailand has turned right, prioritising order, continuity and stability over sweeping change, reshaping the country’s political direction for the years ahead.