Thailand suddenly announced early elections as tensions with Cambodia's border conflict escalated. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has officially dissolved the parliament, moving the originally scheduled election from March 2026 to February 8. The move is widely seen as a way to avoid a no-confidence motion initiated by the People's Party (PP), and also related to corruption scandals and unfulfilled political promises regarding relations with Cambodia since his administration began. The current election focus is gradually shifting from reform issues to national security, with border warfare boosting nationalist sentiments, significantly benefiting the pro-military, conservative Bhumjaithai Party (Bhumjaithai), and objectively weakening the People's Party, which advocates for military and royal reforms. Analysts point out that the People's Party, which once achieved a breakthrough victory in the 2023 elections, is now facing an abruptly deteriorating political environment. Border conflicts have enhanced the military's image and made moderate voters more hesitant towards radical reforms. Meanwhile, the People's Party was criticized for lacking political negotiation skills after supporting Anutin as the caretaker prime minister without securing constitutional reform commitments. As smaller parties play an increasingly critical role in forming a government, most observers expect the next parliament to be led by the Bhumjaithai Party in forming a ruling coalition. In the short term, it is unlikely that the border conflict will ease, and although the reform wave that once inspired young voters in 2023 has not disappeared, it may not reach its peak again in this election.
Image source: network
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851718348251211/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.