The general election on Sunday night delivered a major political upset, with unofficial results showing the conservative Bhumjaithai Party surging towards a massive victory. The outcome sharply reversed expectations and left the progressive People’s Party facing a significant setback, despite earlier polling predicting it would emerge as the largest party.
Unofficial tallies indicated that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party secured close to 200 seats in the 500-member House of Representatives. By contrast, the People’s Party was projected to win around 108 seats, far fewer than anticipated and well below its previous performance.
The result marked a dramatic turnaround from the last election, when the People’s Party finished first with 151 seats. The party had built its support on younger voters and urban constituencies, and had been widely expected to dominate the 2026 contest once again.
The People’s Party, led by Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, had moderated some policies previously seen as legally sensitive but remained popular in major cities. Despite nationwide losses, the party performed strongly in Bangkok, where it led in every constituency and was expected to win all 33 seats.
Speaking at the party headquarters, Natthaphong acknowledged the disappointment and accepted the unofficial results. “At this moment, we may not be the number one party,” he said, adding that the party would respect parliamentary principles and allow the leading party to form the government first.
He said the reasons behind voters’ decisions rested with the electorate and confirmed the party’s intention to continue its political work. Natthaphong stated that if Bhumjaithai forms the next government, the People’s Party would take on an opposition role and would not attempt to form a rival coalition.
Prime Minister Anutin described the outcome as a clear mandate from the public. “This victory belongs to the people, not only to the Bhumjaithai Party,” he said, pledging to administer the country, create prosperity, and solve national problems while upholding democracy under the constitutional monarchy.
Pheu Thai Party also lost ground, with projections showing it winning around 80 seats, down from 141 in the previous election. The party had nominated Yodchanan Wongsawat, nephew of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as its prime ministerial candidate.
Alongside the election, voters took part in a nationwide referendum on drafting a new constitution to replace the charter introduced after the 2014 military coup. Unofficial results showed more than 57% of voters supported drafting a new constitution.
Khoasod reported that the incoming government faces major challenges, including a severe economic slowdown with Thailand’s GDP growth projected to be the weakest among ASEAN countries. Heightened tensions with neighbouring Cambodia, following deadly clashes and the continued closure of land border crossings, will also test the next administration.
Key Takeaways
• Bhumjaithai Party is projected to secure close to 200 seats, emerging as the clear winner.
• The People’s Party fell to around 108 seats but dominated all 33 constituencies in Bangkok.
• A majority of voters backed drafting a new constitution in a nationwide referendum.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2026-02-09
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