2023-05-14 02:40:00
14.05.2023 04:40
(Akt. 14.05.2023 04:50)
Paetongtarn Shinawatra challenges Prime Minister
©APA/AFP
The eagerly awaited parliamentary elections began in Thailand on Sunday morning (local time). 52 million eligible voters are called to the polls. The opposition has been ahead in polls for months – especially Pheu Thai with top candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The 36-year-old is the heir to a rich dynasty of politicians. Most recently, the progressive move-forward party popular with boys with top candidate Pita Limjaroenrat (42) had caught up.
Prime Minister and former coup general Prayut Chan-o-cha is also hoping for confirmation in office. Thanks to the new constitution put in place following the 2014 military coup, he has clear advantages. The polling stations are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (3 a.m. to 12 p.m. CEST). Unofficial results might be known as early as late evening (local time). According to observers, it will take days until an official result is available.
For weeks there has been speculation in Thailand regarding possible coalitions. To become head of government, a candidate must win the majority of the 750 seats, i.e. 376 votes. Together with the 500 elected MPs, 250 unelected senators decide who becomes head of government. These were appointed by the military in 2018 and are believed to be loyal to Prayut. This means that the support of just under a third of the new MPs would be enough for the government camp to continue to have the majority in parliament.
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