Source: France 24 [French state media]
“Thailand’s progressive Move Forward Party claimed victory in the country’s election Monday after a stunning result that decimated military-backed parties, which have ruled the kingdom for nearly a decade. A massive surge for Move Forward (MFP) in Sunday’s ballot left it on course to be the biggest party, followed by its rival opposition — the Pheu Thai movement of billionaire ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Thai voters turned out in record numbers to deliver a brutal verdict on former coup leader Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha, who has been blamed for economic stagnation and a crackdown on rights. MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat said he would seek to build a six-party coalition including Pheu Thai, which said it was ready to join, though negotiations of the details have not yet begun.” (05/15/23)