Thailand's ruling party readies for coalition talks after big election win

Thailand's caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai Party leader and prime ministerial candidate, speaks during a press conference at the party headquarters on the day of the general election, in Bangkok, Thailand, February 8, 2026. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa

BANGKOK, Feb 9 (Reuters) - Thailand ‌faced a realignment of conservative politics on Monday, with coalition talks expected to start soon after Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's party clinched a ‌stronger-than-expected general election victory.

With 94% of votes counted, the ruling Bhumjaithai was way ahead of its rivals after Sunday's vote, securing ‌193 of the 500 seats in parliament, according to Reuters' calculations based on election commission data.