"Thai Election Brings Hope for Change and Royal Reforms"

Thailand is holding an election that could lead to the defeat of the military-backed leader who has ruled the country for almost a decade. However, a skewed election system means the shape of the new government is “very unpredictable”. Polling suggests that many voters want change, and the party associated with the exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to win the most seats. The most progressive opposition party has also enjoyed late surges in polling after capturing strong support from young voters during its campaigns. Sunday’s election is the first to be held after youth-led mass protests in 2020 shocked the establishment by calling not only for the removal of the current leader but also for the influence and wealth of the monarchy to be curbed.