Bangkok: Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party emerged victorious in the recent snap elections, positioning itself to lead the government, as reported by local media on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, with approximately 90% of the ballots counted, the unofficial results indicated that the Bhumjaithai Party secured nearly 200 of the 500 seats in the lower house of parliament. This achievement renders it the largest party in the chamber. However, the party remains short of the 251 seats needed to independently form a government.

The Bhumjaithai Party plans to establish a coalition with its ally, the Kla Tham party, which garnered 60 seats. In contrast, the progressive People's Party won 110 seats and is leading in another five constituencies. Meanwhile, the populist Pheu Thai Party, supported by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, secured 80 seats. The Democratic Party obtained 20 seats.

Voter turnout for this election was estimated at 60%, a decrease from the 75% turnout during the 2023 general election. The snap election was prompted in December after Anutin's coalition government disbanded following a brief three-month tenure.

Anutin expressed gratitude and commitment, stating, "Bhumjaithai's victory today is a victory for all Thais, whether you voted for the Bhumjaithai Party or not. We have to do the utmost to serve the Thai people to our full ability."

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, acknowledged their second-place finish and emphasized their respect for the leading party's right to form the government. He confirmed that the People's Party would not join a Bhumjaithai-led government nor form an opposing coalition. If Bhumjaithai succeeds in forming a government, the People's Party will assume the role of opposition.

In a related constitutional referendum, approximately 60% of voters, or 18.41 million people, supported granting the new government a mandate to rewrite the 2017 military-drafted constitution.