Powerful political dynasties, known as Baan Yai [big houses], are once again at the centre of debate following the surprise victory of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s conservative Bhumjaithai party (BJT). However, Baan Yai alone cannot explain the victory, which was also secured by a more powerful tool: the machinery of the state.

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s conservative Bhumjaithai party has delivered a stronger-than-expected performance, emerging as the largest party with 193 seats in the new parliament following Thailand’s 2026 general elections. It was widely believed that the Bhumjaithai Party-led government could enjoy significant political stability.

With two days to go before the general election and constitutional reform referendum this Sunday (8 February), major political parties are holding their final major campaign events in Bangkok on Friday evening (6 February)

With less than a month to go, Thailand is gearing up for a new government amid mounting challenges. Parties are ramping up their election campaigns to capture the voters’ mandate, particularly given the vast number of undecided voters this time. However, the question remains: will the upcoming election bring about significant reform?

Following Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s dissolution of the House of Representatives, several prominent public figures and academics have shared their perspectives on the challenges ahead as Thailand’s political parties prepare for the election.

Following Thursday's parliamentary session, the People's Party issued a statement calling on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to dissolve the House of Representatives to show responsibility.

Chaos erupted in the Thai parliament on Thursday night (11 December) after a joint sitting of MPs and senators voted to reject a proposal that future constitutional amendments be approved by a simple majority in the joint sitting, opting instead to revert to requiring support from at least one-third of senators.

Amid speculation that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul may dissolve parliament in mid-December, his Bhumjaithai Party arguably remains the most powerful and election-ready political force. Having gained little traction in previous elections, it is now securing electoral victories and aiming for further gains in the northeast and south.

After public debate on how many referendums are needed to draft a new Constitution, the Constitutional Court has ruled that three referendums are required, but parliament cannot allow the public to elect a Constituent Assembly.

Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai, has secured a majority of votes from MPs in parliament to become Thailand’s 32nd Prime Minister and the third one in two years after his predecessor Paetongtarn Shinawatra was ousted by the Constitutional Court last week.

The People’s Party has decided to back Anutin Charnvirakul, the Bhumjaithai Party’s candidate, in a vote for a new Prime Minister to replace former Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court.

Thailand is at another crossroads after the Constitutional Court dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over her phone call to Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The Pheu Thai Party and the Bhumjaithai Party are both trying to form a new government. Neither has enough votes backing their candidates. The main opposition People’s Party, with 143 seats in parliament, could change the game.