Early voting for Thailand’s House of Representatives election commenced at 8 a.m. local time on Sunday, allowing over 2 million eligible voters who couldn’t vote on the official polling day of February 8 to participate. Voters casting early ballots received two papers at polling stations: one for selecting a constituency candidate and the other for choosing a political party. The early voting period ended at 5 p.m. on the same day, with all ballots set to be counted after February 8.
Over 50 million Thai voters will elect a total of 500 House of Representatives members, with 400 elected from local areas and the remaining 100 allocated to parties based on popular vote proportions. The Election Commission of Thailand reported that 57 political parties are vying for House seats, with over 90 candidates nominated for the prime ministerial position. Official vote count results are expected by April 9, and the new parliament must convene within 15 days to elect a speaker, followed by the selection of the new prime minister by the House of Representatives.
In the lead-up to the election, political parties and candidates have conducted campaign rallies nationwide, with campaign ads visible on streets. Pre-election polls suggest a close race between the Bhumjaithai Party and the People’s Party, with the Pheu Thai Party also polling well. Analysts believe no single party will secure a significant majority, and the government formation will rely on post-election negotiations among parties.
Thailand’s previous general election took place in May 2023, leading to Anutin Charnvirakul becoming the third prime minister since then. In September 2025, Anutin assumed office with the People’s Party’s support, contingent on starting a constitutional amendment process. However, a bill for constitutional amendments failed in December 2025, prompting a no-confidence motion against Anutin’s government and the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
