Explainer | Thailand election 2023: a quick guide to the parties and major candidates, from Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Pita Limjaroenrat
- Pro-democrats hope to oust the ruling coalition of ex-army types and conservatives, in an election set to be Thailand’s most unpredictable in two decades
- A duo of elderly generals including Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who have friends in high places, loom over the race
There are 400 constituency seats in play and another 100 on a proportional basis for the lower house.
But an appointed upper house, or senate, of 250 members may tip the balance depending on the maths and will be pivotal in the vote for a prime minister.
The magic number for a simple majority across the two chambers is 376, but expect complicated, uncomfortable alliances if no clear winner emerges. Pro-democrats hope to oust the ruling coalition of former army types and conservatives.
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But a duo of elderly generals, including the 69-year-old current leader Prayuth Chan-ocha, stalk the race. They need to secure a minimum of 25 seats to enter the post-poll bid for the premiership – and with friends in high places there is a strong chance they can find a back door to power.
But if they cannot, no one is ruling out a coup or a court judgment to tip the balance.
