In the upcoming election in Thailand, Pheu Thai (For Thais), led by the daughter of ousted telecommunications billionaire Thaksin Shinawatra, is gaining significant support and leading the race. She has been successful in harnessing her father's wide patronage network and appealing to rural, low-income regions with a populist message.
Move Forward, another party led by Pita Limjaroenrat, has also been rising fast in opinion polls. Their campaign revolves around a simple message that Thailand needs change. With nearly 70 parties contesting this election, it is unlikely any one party will get an outright majority of seats in the lower house.
"The competition between these two major parties seems to be getting more intense as we approach election day," said Chaiwat Satha-Anand, a political analyst at Chulalongkorn University. "Pheu Thai has been able to capitalize on its long-standing connections with rural communities while Move Forward is trying to reach out to urban voters who are looking for something new."
However, even if neither party wins a majority or forms a coalition government after elections results come out; there are other factors that might prevent them from taking office. The political system established under the military-drafted 2017 constitution and other extra-electoral authorities may have an impact on which party ultimately takes power.
"Thailand's political landscape remains complex due to influences beyond electoral politics," said Sunai Phasuk from Human Rights Watch Asia Division. "The military still wields considerable influence over government formation through its ties with extra-electoral authorities."
Despite these challenges ahead for both leading parties – Pheu Thai and Move Forward – their continued efforts towards garnering support from various sections of society show how invested they are in bringing about meaningful changes within Thailand.
Nattaya Chetchotiros, a political researcher based in Bangkok, commented on the situation: "Both parties are trying to address the pressing issues faced by Thais. Pheu Thai's focus on rural development and Move Forward's message of change resonate among voters who feel left behind in recent years."
As Thailand prepares for its upcoming elections, it remains to be seen how these two major contenders fare against one another and whether any party will secure an outright majority in the lower house. Regardless of the outcome, it is evident that both Pheu Thai and Move Forward remain committed to addressing the concerns of their constituents and bringing about positive changes within Thai society.
"The race between Pheu Thai and Move Forward shows that there is still hope for real progress," said Anusorn Unno from Thammasat University School of Global Studies. "However, we must not forget that other forces might try to subvert this democratic process."