Thailand votes as reformists challenge conservatives amid political turmoil

Thais began voting on Sunday in an election pitting the reformist People’s Party against the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, with expectations of a tight race among a divided public craving an end to the country’s long economic drift and political instability.

Around 53 million Thais are eligible to vote for 500 lower house lawmakers, 400 directly from their constituencies and the remaining 100 decided on a proportional basis from the number of votes each party gets.

Barring a shock landslide for the People’s Party, experts say neither leading party will win a majority on their own, resulting in a coalition government.

That will mean days of post-poll horse-trading likely lie ahead to see who can stitch together alliances from smaller factions to reach a 251 majority of the 500 lower house seats.

The progressive youth-facing People’s Party, led by former tech executive Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, 38, is tipped to win the most votes and seats.

But that does not mean it will be allowed to form a government, with Bhumjaithai well placed to block its route to power with its own coalition.