ASIA/THAILAND – Nationalism influences politics: “Thai Pride” party wins elections

Bangkok – The Bhumjaithai party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who had called early elections, won the parliamentary elections held on February 8 with more than 30% of the vote and will begin negotiations in the coming days to form a governing coalition. With 94% of the ballots counted, Bhumjaithai is clearly in the lead, having won 193 of the 500 seats in the House of Representatives. The progressive People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut, won 118 seats, followed by the Pheu Thai party with 74 seats, in addition to several smaller parties. By calling early elections, Anutin sought to capitalize on the climate of nationalist mobilization generated by the border conflict with Cambodia, and, according to the results, he has indeed capitalized on the resurgence of this sentiment in Thai society. Presenting himself as a defender of national pride and security, the leader has affirmed his intention to form a government “with a solid majority” and has reiterated his security priorities, including the construction of a wall on the Cambodian border, the strengthening of military capabilities, and the continued closure of border crossings. The leader hopes that his term will guarantee the political stability necessary to implement an economic program focused on strengthening the business sector, creating jobs, and boosting emerging sectors with global potential, such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, and the digital economy. Within the opposition bloc, the People’s Party has ruled out the possibility of joining a coalition led by Anutin. According to political analysts, the party has been hurt by the wave of nationalism stemming from tensions with Cambodia, despite pre-election polls placing it in the lead. In addition to electing their political representatives, voters participated in a referendum to amend the Constitution, which has been in force since the 2014 military coup. The amendment has been criticized for the broad powers granted to an unelected Senate, composed of 200 members appointed through processes with little public participation, allowing the most influential political groups to influence its composition. More than 60% of the electorate voted in favor of the revision of the Constitution.

Read original article