Thailand’s election winner Bhumjaithai moves to form coalition with Pheu Thai

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party, which won the Feb 8 general election, will form a coalition government that includes the third-placed Pheu Thai Party.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the two parties see strong alignment in their visions. He spoke on Feb 13 after talks that lasted about an hour. Pheu Thai leaders said they are ready to support Bhumjaithai in leading the formation of the next government.

Thailand coalition government takes shape quickly

The agreement marks a key step towards assembling a parliamentary majority in the 500-seat House of Representatives.

Bhumjaithai won 193 seats. Pheu Thai secured 74 seats. Together, they take the bloc well past the 251-seat threshold needed to control Parliament.

However, further talks are expected as parties negotiate portfolios and policy priorities.

Kla Tham seen as likely partner

Kla Tham Party, which won 58 seats, is also widely expected to join the coalition, though formal talks have not begun.

If included, the three major parties would hold 325 seats in Parliament. Smaller parties with fewer than 10 seats each are also likely to be courted to broaden support.

A government that looks familiar, with a new lead party

The emerging coalition would include many of the same politicians and parties from the previous administration led by Pheu Thai.

That earlier government was backed by former premier Thaksin Shinawatra. This time, the lead role would shift to Bhumjaithai after its strong election performance.

Pheu Thai’s seat count drops sharply

Pheu Thai’s result marks a steep decline from its 2023 showing.

It won 74 seats in 2026, about half of the 141 seats it secured in 2023, when it outperformed Bhumjaithai.

The reversal underlines how quickly Thailand’s political balance can shift between elections.

What happens next in Parliament

The coalition announcement sets the direction, but the next steps will be closely watched.

Parties still need to finalise coalition terms, agree on Cabinet positions, and prepare for parliamentary processes linked to forming the next government.

For now, Bhumjaithai and Pheu Thai are presenting a united front, arguing that their partnership can deliver stability after a high-stakes election.