Thai voters deliver stunning verdict in favour of opposition party

In a surprising turn of events, Thai voters have delivered a resounding victory to the opposition party advocating for radical institutional reforms in the country. Early results indicate that Move Forward has surpassed all expectations by securing 151 out of the 500 seats in the lower house. This puts them 10 seats ahead of the previous frontrunner, Pheu Thai, led by the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Analysts are describing this outcome as a political earthquake, signifying a significant shift in public sentiment. The verdict represents a clear rejection of the two military-aligned parties currently in power and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who came to power through a coup in 2014. The governing coalition managed to secure a mere 15% of the seats, further highlighting the electorate’s desire for change.

Move Forward’s demand for reform resonated strongly with voters, surpassing even the most optimistic predictions. Prajak Kongkirati, a political scientist from Thammasat University, noted that the majority of votes reflect a yearning for change and a desire to break free from the “Prayuth regime.” Social media has been inundated with celebratory messages from Move Forward supporters, who are already hailing the party’s victory as a “wind of change” and the “dawn of a new era.”