By Blessing Nweke

Thailand faced a significant political realignment on Monday after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party secured a stronger-than-expected victory in the general election, with coalition negotiations set to begin in the coming days.

With 94% of ballots counted, Bhumjaithai captured 192 of the 500 seats in parliament, according to Reuters calculations based on election commission data. The progressive People’s Party trailed with 117 seats, despite leading in several pre-election polls, while the Pheu Thai party came third with 74 seats.

Smaller parties collectively won 117 seats, though the final distribution of party-list seats could shift under Thailand’s proportional representation system.

Bhumjaithai won 30.2% of the vote, consolidating conservative support amid heightened nationalist sentiment following Thailand’s recent three-week conflict with Cambodia. Analysts say the party made significant gains at the expense of Pheu Thai, long associated with the influential Shinawatra family.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Anutin said he would wait for final results before formal coalition talks begin, noting that each party must first conduct internal discussions. He has previously indicated that key ministers — including those overseeing finance, foreign affairs and commerce — would retain their posts if he forms the next government.

Anutin called the snap election in December, less than 100 days into his tenure, seeking to capitalize on a surge of national unity. He described the outcome as “a victory for all Thais.”

The People’s Party has ruled out joining an Anutin-led coalition, and its leader, Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut, said it would not attempt to form a rival alliance.

Voters also endorsed a proposal to replace the 2014 coup-era constitution, with nearly two-thirds backing reform. The process is expected to take at least two years and require two further referendums.