By Thai Newsroom Reporters
THE ULTRA-CONSERVATIVE Bhumjaithai, surreptitiously steered by de facto party boss Newin Chidchob, scored a landslide victory in today’s (Feb.8) election, emerging as the largest elected party overwhelmingly defeating the reformist People’, according to unofficial reports.
At the time of unofficially reporting, the Bhumjaithai under whose tickets Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was running to remain in power following the nationwide election grabbed 197 MP seats including 178 in constituency-based mode and 19 in party-listed mode, compared to the People’s coming out as the second largest elected camp with 109 MP seats, including 80 in constituency-based mode and 29 in party-listed mode.
The neo-conservative Pheu Thai under de facto party boss/inmate Thaksin Shinawatra came out as third with 80 MP seats, including 63 in constituency-based mode and 17 in party-listed mode.
The ultra-conservative Klatham under de facto party boss Thammanat Prompao emerged as fourth with 57 MP seats including 55 in constituency-based mode and 2 in party-listed mode whilst the Old School conservative Democrats led by former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva came out as fifth with 20 MP seats including 9 in constituency-based mode and 11 in party-listed mode.
Given the decisive electoral victories, Anutin will likely scramble to set up a Bhumjaithai-led coalition government with himself prolonging his elected premiership, given concrete support from a majority of elected lawmakers whilst Thaksin’s and Thammanat’s camps, among others, are largely anticipated to jump onto the potential bandwagon steered by Newin’s camp.
People’s leader Nattapong Ruengpanyawut confirmed that the reformist camp will certainly become core of the opposition bloc now that the Bhumjaithai came out as the largest elected one, thus earning the first opportunity to set up a post-election government.
CAPTIONS:
Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul hugging his wife after Bhumjaithai scored a landslide win in the election, above, and happily holding her hand, Front Page. Photos – Naewna
Insert – People’s leader Nattapong Ruengpanyawut speaking to reporters after unofficial reports placed his party second in the election. Photo – Amarin TV
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