Thai PM Anutin's party takes early lead in general election race

"Bhumjaithai, seen as the preferred choice of the royalist-military establishment, centred its campaign on economic stimulus and national security, tapping into nationalist fervour stoked by deadly border clashes with neighbouring Cambodia. Its leader, caretaker premier Anutin, stepped in as prime minister last September, after his predecessor, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, was forced out of office for an ethics violation. Threatened with a no-confidence vote, Anutin dissolved the National Assembly or parliament in December to call a snap election."

"With around 30 percent of polling stations reporting results, the party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnviraku, took a commanding lead over the progressive People's Party, showed partial results released by the country's election commission. People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut appeared to concede defeat as the results came in, telling reporters, We acknowledge that we did not come first. We stand by our principle of respecting the party that finishes first and its right to form the government, said Ruengpanyawut."

Early vote counts with about 30 percent of polling stations reporting show the ruling Bhumjaithai Party holding a commanding lead led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnviraku. The progressive People's Party trailed and its leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut acknowledged not finishing first. The populist Pheu Thai Party, backed by jailed former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, ranked third. No single party appears likely to secure a clear majority, making coalition-building necessary to form the next government. Bhumjaithai emphasized economic stimulus and national security, appealing to royalist-military supporters amid deadly border clashes with Cambodia. Anutin became caretaker premier after a predecessor's ethics ouster and dissolved parliament to trigger a snap election. The People's Party sought to curb military and judicial influence and break up monopolies, while Pheu Thai focused on economic revival and cash handouts.

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