Thai PM Claims Election Victory, Potentially Remains PM

RRI.CO.ID, Bangkok – Thailand Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, could return to office after his party, Bhumjaithai, claimed victory in the country’s general election held on Sunday, 8 February 2026. At a Bhumjaithai Party press conference in Bangkok on Sunday evening, Charnvirakul, the party leader, expressed his gratitude for the votes and support from the Thai people to his party, which won about 19% of the vote.

"On behalf of the Bhumjaithai Party, I must express my deepest gratitude for every vote and every act of support that the people of Thailand have so generously given to the Bhumjaithai Party to serve as your representatives," Charnvirakul said.

Preliminary results released by the Thai Office of the Election show that the Bhumjathai Party won more than 190 of the 500 seats in the Thai Parliament. The progressive People’s Party and the populist Pheu Thai Party came in second and third place, with preliminary results of more than 110 seats and more than 70 seats, respectively.

Charnvirakul affirmed that observations on election results up to Sunday night indicate his party's victory. He called this a "victory for the Thai people", accepting the people's "decision to place their trust and confidence" in the party.

"We regard this as a mandate from fellow Thai citizens who want us to govern the country, to bring stable and sustainable progress to Thailand, and to resolve all the problems that trouble our fellow citizens," he said.

Nevertheless, in a post on its social media, the Bhumjaithai Party said it is still aiming to win the most seats in Thailand’s National Assembly. This is because official certification from the election commission will only be issued within 60 days of the election.

"I hope we will all work together to achieve the best possible national victory, whatever our roles may be," Charnvirakul said, concluding his statement.

Charnvirakul was previously appointed as prime minister in June 2025 by the National Assembly, succeeding Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who was removed by the country's Constitutional Court over ethical issues. This election was held amid various dynamics in Thailand, including border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.