The progressive People’s Party has admitted that it is unlikely to win enough seats in the 2026 general elections to form a government and has vowed its willingness to serve as an opposition party instead. Unofficial results show that the conservative Bhumjaithai party has surprisingly emerged as a frontrunner, leading in the total number of seats.

Natthaphong Ruangpanyawut, People’s Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, held a press conference while votes were still being counted, acknowledging that his party is unlikely to win the most seats and noting unofficial results which indicate that incumbent Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party is leading the race for seats in the new parliament.

In his concession speech, Natthaphong stressed that elections are a solution for the country, saying that as long as people continue to exercise their voting rights, a way out for the country would emerge. He affirmed as well that his party MPs remain ready to serve the people.

Noting that voting reflects the will of the people, he said he was ready to accept the outcome. As for reports of irregularities in the election process, he said that this should not be seen as an excuse to reject the popular will, and proposed instead that reports be addressed on a case-by-case basis with action being taken as necessary.

He expressed gratitude for those who turned out to vote and added that his party would respect parliamentary norms by allowing the party with the most seats the first opportunity to form a government coalition.

Having previously announced that he would not support a Bhumjaithai PM candidate, he reaffirmed that his party would not join a Bhumjaithai-led coalition but would remain instead in the opposition.

During the press conference, Natthaphong noted that the constitutional referendum, which he described as an important step for the country, is likely to pass.  As unofficial results show that over 90% of all voters support drafting a new constitution, he urged all political parties to fulfil the people’s will. Acknowledging that this will require support from both the upper and lower houses, he expressed optimism that the number of seats alone would not be a main factor, adding that more MP seats would make the process easier.  When asked about concerns over the possibility of drafting a new constitution under a new government, he stated that this would become clear once a new government is formed.