N※N

Explainer-Who is vying to form Thailand's next government?

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. is-vying-to-form-thailand-s-next-government.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 5:08 GMT by ThePrint
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Thailand’s Post‑Election Conundrum: Who Will Steer the Country’s Next Government?

The 2023 Thai general election sent shockwaves through the nation’s political landscape, turning the familiar rhythm of party politics into an uneasy dance of coalition building. As the ballots were counted and the numbers revealed a fragmented parliament, the question that now dominates every coffee‑shop conversation, every news desk, and every royal‑palace whisper is clear: who will assemble the next Thai government? The answer is not a single name or party; it is a complex choreography involving long‑established political families, military‑backed parties, and a handful of up‑and‑coming voices.

The Numbers on the Table

When the Election Commission declared the results on May 21, the House of Representatives—200 seats in total—was split among eight political entities:

The Pheu Thai Party (PTP) emerged as the single largest bloc, but with 125 seats, it falls short of the 101‑seat majority needed to govern outright. The Palang Pracharath Party (PPP)—the military‑backed coalition that has supported successive prime ministers since the 2014 coup—holds 103 seats and is no longer a minor partner. The Bhumjaithai Party and the Chart Pattana Party—two small but influential centrist players—control a combined 38 seats, while the Democrat Party, historically the main opposition, managed only 15 seats, the lowest in its history.

Coalition Possibilities: The Chessboard of Thai Politics

1. Pheu Thai‑Palang Pracharath Alliance

The most likely scenario, and the one most often discussed in parliament and by the media, is a coalition between Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath. This partnership would give the combined bloc 228 seats—a comfortable majority. In 2019, Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath formed a coalition that kept the pro‑military bloc in power; the 2023 election could simply renew that uneasy partnership. Yet, the two parties sit on opposite ends of the political spectrum: Pheu Thai’s roots trace back to Thaksin Shinawatra’s populist network, whereas Palang Pracharath represents the military’s indirect political interest.

2. Pheu Thai‑Bhumjaithai‑Chart Pattana Triple Alliance

An alternative route would involve Pheu Thai aligning with Bhumjaithai and Chart Pattana. This combination yields 183 seats, still a majority but with a different political flavor. Bhumjaithai, known for its pragmatic stance and strong policy influence—especially on infrastructure and the environment—could serve as a bridge between the populist Pheu Thai and the more technocratic Chart Pattana. This coalition might appeal to voters weary of military influence but wanting stability.

3. A “No‑Party” Coalition

Although less likely, the Democrat Party could be courted by either side to secure a wider base, bringing their 15 seats into play. However, given the Democrat’s historic opposition to the military, a partnership with Palang Pracharath would face ideological hurdles, whereas with Pheu Thai, it would risk being a “minority partner” in a coalition that already has a comfortable majority.

Key Personalities: Who Holds the Power?

• Anutin Charnvirakul (Pheu Thai): A seasoned politician and current Minister of Commerce, Anutin is now the de facto face of the Pheu Thai leadership after the resignation of the former party chief, Puey Ungsong. He has a reputation for being pragmatic and is seen as a potential prime ministerial candidate should a coalition form.

• Srettha Thavisin (Palang Pracharath): Elected prime minister in 2023, Srettha is the younger son of the former PM Srettha Sriratana, and a former real‑estate magnate. His premiership has been marked by attempts to balance military expectations with public pressure for reform.

• Nattapong Jitpleecheep (Bhumjaithai): Known as “The Man Who Brought a Road to a Village,” Nattapong’s policy focus on infrastructure and rural development makes him a potent bargaining chip. He has previously supported both Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath in the past.

• Sirinun Nokbunnak (Chart Pattana): A former business executive, Sirinun is the party’s architect of a centrist platform that promotes digital economy and governance reforms. Her influence is especially relevant in a coalition that seeks to pass wide-ranging reforms.

• Chayut Sukkavichien (Democrat): The new leader of Thailand’s longest‑standing opposition party, Chayut’s background in law and policy makes him a voice of dissent but also a potential mediator.

Constitutional and Royal Considerations

Thailand’s 2017 constitution stipulates that the king will ask the leader of the party with the most seats to form a government, unless that leader can demonstrate the ability to secure majority support in the House. In this case, Pheu Thai’s Anutin has the most seats, but he still needs coalition partners. The king’s role is largely ceremonial, yet in practice, the monarchy can influence the political narrative, especially in a country where the military and monarchy share a complex history.

The military’s involvement—still embedded in the PPP’s leadership—adds another layer. While the 2021 reform draft promised a reduction of military influence, the 2023 elections suggest that the military’s political foothold remains solid.

What the Future Might Hold

Experts predict that an early coalition agreement is likely within weeks. If Pheu Thai and Palang Pracharath renew their alliance, it could signal a return to the status quo, but with new faces at the helm. Should a coalition form between Pheu Thai, Bhumjaithai, and Chart Pattana, it might represent a new political direction that balances populist demands with technocratic governance.

Whichever coalition emerges, the next Thai government will need to navigate pressing challenges—economic recovery post‑COVID‑19, climate‑change mitigation, and restoring public trust in democratic institutions. The 2023 election was not merely a vote for parties; it was a vote for the country’s political direction.

In a landscape where alliances are as fluid as the Chao Phraya River’s tides, Thailand’s next political chapter remains unwritten. But the pieces are in place, the players are on the stage, and the nation watches with bated breath: who will build Thailand’s next government?