Thailand Election: Bhumjaithai Takes Early Lead As Vote Count Continues

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, emerged as the early frontrunner in Sunday’s general election, according to preliminary results, as vote counting continued.

As of 10:00 pm local time, about 31 per cent of ballots had been counted, with the Bhumjaithai Party in the lead, followed by the progressive opposition People’s Party and the Pheu Thai Party, which is backed by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Data published on the Election Commission of Thailand website showed that the Bhumjaithai Party had secured 178 seats at that stage. The People’s Party was in second place with 70 seats, followed by the Pheu Thai Party with 67 seats.

The Kla Tham Party, led by former deputy prime minister Thammanat Prompao, won 56 seats, while the Democrat Party, headed by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, secured nine seats.

Speaking to reporters, Anutin said the party believes it has won the election based on nationwide reports from its candidates, despite official seat figures has yet to be certified.

“Based on coordination and direct updates from our candidates nationwide, we believe Bhumjaithai has secured the highest number of MPs in today’s election,” he said on Sunday night.

Anutin described the result as “a victory for all Thai citizens” and said the party would await official certification from the Election Commission of Thailand.

Meanwhile, Natthaphong Ruenpanyawut, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the People’s Party, said it was unlikely that his party would emerge as the largest party based on preliminary election results.

He said the party respects parliamentary principles and would allow the top-ranked party to take the lead in forming a government.

Natthaphong said the People’s Party is prepared to sit in opposition if the Bhumjaithai Party forms the government and will not vote for Bhumjaithai’s prime ministerial candidate.

“We respect the principle that the top party has the first opportunity to form a government. We must give them that right fully,” he said.

Meanwhile, Julapun Amornvivat, leader and prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party, expressed gratitude to voters for turning out to cast their ballots and for supporting the democratic process, as well as for backing Pheu Thai.

Julapun emphasised that the party will continue to serve the public to the best of its ability regardless of whether Pheu Thai ends up in government or opposition, the party

“No matter what role we take, we will work for the people with our full capacity and dedication. Today, we respect the decision of the people,” he said.

An estimated 52.9 million Thais are eligible to cast their ballots to elect 500 members of the House of Representatives and to vote in a referendum on the drafting of a new constitution.

Polls closed at 5 pm local time, with vote counting underway and preliminary results trickling in.

In the referendum held alongside the election to gauge public support for the drafting of a new constitution, preliminary figures showed 16,246,272 votes in favour, 8,666,503 against and 2,426,854 abstentions.

-- BERNAMA