The election in Thailand

Pita Limjaroenrat/Paetongtarn Shinawatra TT 

Political change in Thailand - pro-democracy parties leave the election with equal strength 

The two largest opposition parties "For Thais" and "New Future" are basically evenly matched when 97 percent of the votes are counted in the Thai election. Bloomberg reports.  

Together, the parties are estimated to get roughly 280 of the parliament's 500 seats. 

- We are prepared to talk to "New Future" but we are waiting for the official results. I am happy for them, we can work together, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of "For Thais", told reporters in Bangkok according to Al Jazeera. 

Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of "New Future", is described as the big winner in the election. He has attracted many young voters with promises of democratization and the party's success marks a reformist shift in Thai politics. 

The election has been described as a battle between a pro-democracy opposition and military-backed parties, such as "United Nation".  

 

Voters read up on the candidates. Grant Peck / AP  

Record high turnout in Thai election  

In Thailand, the polling stations have now closed and the counting of votes has begun, writes TT. Turnout is said to have been record high, around 80 percent.  

According to Thai media, election day has passed peacefully, and the country is now holding its breath waiting for the result, which could lead to major changes. The fight in the election has been between the military-backed parties and an opposition that promises reforms for more democracy.  

- I am very hopeful. There is strong competition this year between many talented candidates, compared to previous elections, 85-year-old voter Pakorn Adulpan told the AFP news agency. 

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, prime ministerial candidate for Phak Phuea Thai ("For Thais"), waits to vote. Wason Wanichakorn / AP  

The "lost generation" wants to see change in Thailand The opposition in Thailand is expected to attract many young voters when the country goes to the polls today. CNN describes a "lost generation" raised by the prospect of change. 

They bring up previously taboo subjects on the agenda, such as the military's grip on power and a royal reform, the TV channel writes.  

Sunday's election is the first since mass protests, led by young Thais, shocked the establishment in 2020 with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha.

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