The party, led by the powerful Shinawatra family, has so far secured 22 percent of the vote in the national assembly and 21 percent of the vote in various constituencies.

A record high turnout has been reported in parliamentary elections, in which some 52 million Thais are eligible to vote.

Possible coalition

Another opposition party Phak Kao Klai (March Forward), led by Pita Limjaroenrat, was named as the main challenger to Pheu Thai. The party is currently in second place.

Limjaroenrat is very pleased with that, and he has said that a coalition collaboration with Shinawatra and Pheu Thai is “definitely ready”. Together, the two parties currently hold more than half of the vote.

– The people’s vote is paramount, said Shinawatra, stressing that he was pleased that his competitor Marsj Fremad also appeared to be doing well in the election.

Both Shinawatra and Limjaroenrat have said they would end the nine-year military-backed regime in Thailand if elected.

It can take a long time

It’s not looking rosy for incumbent Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is currently in third place nationally with 7-8 percent of the vote.

According to opinion polls on election day, Pheu Thai and prime ministerial candidate Paetongtarn Shinawatra are expected to win the election by 60 percent, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported. But who will become the new prime minister will be decided at a joint session of the National Assembly in Bangkok in July.

It is estimated that it will take several months before the government is presented to the people.

[ – En lettøl kan gi for mye promille ]