Thailand Elections

Editor Jesse Starcher

Thailand has held their first general election ever since the 2014 military coup and takeover of the government. However, the election results have been incredibly confusing, and many in Thailand suspect the system has been rigged.

Thailand’s pro-military government, the Palang Pracha Rath Party (PPRP), gained the larger share of the popular vote, however, the opposition party, Pheu Thai, has more seats in parliament than the military government.

Thailand’s electoral commission faced growing complaints and criticism as more and more saw irregularities in the polls. This includes delaying results with no explanation, further raising many concerns and doubts. There were many other irregularities, as the commission claimed that the PPRP had gained 7.6 million of the popular vote, and that there was only a 64% turnout, a figure many, again, doubt.

Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister of Thailand who was ousted in 2006, and is now living in exile, has expressed great concern over this election. He cited photos of ballot boxes being taken out, and ballot papers being put back into them at local offices. He also spoke of how the PPRP had seemingly jumped from third to first place.

General Prayuth, leader of the PPRP, along with his military junta, had promised time and time again that a democratic election would be held, while continuously delaying the election. Now it seems that his party has rigged and won their election, while strictly controlling the media and opponents.