In a surprise move, Thailand is gearing up for parliamentary elections on 8 February 2024. This announcement comes shortly after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament, following his fallout with the opposition People’s Party, contributing to the political upheaval in the country.
Election Details
The election, which is expected to capture significant attention, will see Thais voting for 500 lawmakers—400 from constituency seats and 100 through a party-list system. Each political party is allowed to submit up to three candidates for the prime ministerial role.
- Advance voting: Scheduled for 1 February 2024.
- Official results: To be announced by 9 April 2024.
- New parliament convening: Must occur within 15 days post-election to elect speakers and the prime minister.
Political Context
This election follows a period of instability for Anutin, who, at 59, has been Thailand’s prime minister since August 2023. His ascent was aided by the People’s Party, which supported him in exchange for promises to amend the constitution. The dissolution of parliament has intensified political tensions, particularly given the ongoing military conflict with Cambodia.
Despite Anutin’s attempts to leverage rising nationalism, public sentiment remains uncertain. The People’s Party, known for its previous success as the Move Forward Party, holds the title of the most popular political faction and is poised to be a formidable opponent in the upcoming electoral battle.