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 95% of votes counted, the conservative Bhumjaithai is taking a commanding lead with 193 out of 500 seats in the lower house, well ahead of its main rivals, the progressive People's Party and Pheu Thai Party, backed by the influential Shinawatra family.

The People’s Party will be the second largest party with 118 seats, followed by Pheu Thai with 74 seats. Thammanat Prompow’s Klatham Party emerged as the fourth largest party with 58 seats. It was widely expected that Klatham would join Bhumjaithai in forming a government coalition.

The results defied all pre-election polls in the country. While most surveys projected that Bhumjaithai would win between 140 and 160 seats, none anticipated that it would secure nearly 200.

“What you all gave the Bhumjaithai Party today is a victory for the people, not just the single group of party members alone. We humbly accept the people’s decision in placing their trust in the Bhumjaithai Party. This is considered a mandate from the people that requires the Bhumjaithai party to govern the country and make it prosperous,” Anutin said during a late-night press conference last night (8 February).

He said that he has yet to make a decision on coalition partners, adding that the matter would be discussed once the official election results are released. The Election Commission of Thailand is required to certify the official results within 60 days after the election day. Meanwhile, the People’s Party vowed that it would not join an Anutin-led government or form a rival coalition.

In recent years, Bhumjaithai has gradually emerged as the main conservative force, replacing military-backed parties such as Palang Pracharath and the United Thai Nation. It reached its peak when Anutin was elected to run the country last year following the removal of former PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra due to the leaked call with influential Cambodian former leader Hun Sen over the border dispute.

As PM and Interior Minister, critics said that Anutin held the power to reshuffle state officials in ways that may have favoured his party in the election. In addition, the party also benefited from defections by local influential MPs, many of whom previously belonged to Pheu Thai.

Anutin assumed the top job at a time when Thailand was dealing with tensions on the Cambodian border, which enraged many Thais. Anutin exploited the issue and played along with the sentiment. His tough stance towards Cambodia resonated with many voters and helped consolidate support for his party.

On the eve of the election, Anutin was granted a royal audience to present proceeds from commemorative coins and books to King Vajiralongkorn to be used at the royal discretion. The release of the picture caused an uproar among the public. Several viewed the move as inappropriate. Some questioned the timing and suggested it may have helped cement support for Bhumjaithai.

Given all the favourable factors, it is believed that a Bhumjaithai Party-led government could enjoy significant political stability.