LIVE: Thai Election Results 2026 — Real-Time Updates & Highlights

LIVE: Thai Election Results 2026 — All the Latest as It Happens

Welcome to ThaiRanked’s live coverage of the 2026 general election in Thailand. Today is a crucial moment for Thailand’s political future as millions have cast ballots to fill all 500 seats of the House of Representatives. With major parties vying for control—including Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party, the rising reformist People's Party, and the ever-influential Pheu Thai—tonight is packed with suspense, surprises, and stories on the ground. We’re updating this live blog frequently through the night with the latest results, key developments, and real-time reactions from party headquarters in Bangkok.

If you’re new to Thai politics or want a primer on party platforms, check our Thailand Politics Glossary: 50 Key Terms Expats Must Know and our list of Best Podcasts, Newsletters & YouTube for Thailand’s 2026 Election.

11:55 p.m. — Constitution Referendum: 60% Say They Want Change

Separately from the general election, Thais voted on Sunday in a national referendum asking whether the 2017 constitution should be replaced. With counting completed in nearly 90% of the polling stations, 60% of voters said they consider a new constitution necessary, while 32% said there is no need to change it. The rest said they have no opinion.

This vote is just the first step in a lengthy process to change the constitution and the result is no guarantee that it will be changed. For background on how constitutional reform works and Thai political traditions, explore our article on the history and significance of Constitution Day.

11:45 p.m. — With 89% Reporting: Bhumjaithai Extends Constituency Lead

With 89% of polling stations reporting, Bhumjaithai leads in 175 out of 400 constituencies. There have been some recent fluctuations but the ruling party’s dominance remains intact. The People's Party is second with 85 seats, and Pheu Thai third with 60. For the 100 proportional representation seats, the People's Party leads with 27.6%, followed by Bhumjaithai's 17.3% and Pheu Thai's 15.3%.

If you’re curious about Thailand’s electoral system, check our in-depth explainer on constituency vs. party-list voting. For a real-world perspective, see our guide to how the election will reshape tourism and expat life.

9:00 p.m. — Bangkok Turns Orange; Referendum "Yes" Surges; Bhumjaithai Surges in Seat Count

After 31% of ballots had been counted, Bangkok had turned orange, with the People’s Party looking set to sweep the capital. In the referendum, 59% of voters voted “yes” in support of rewriting the 2017 junta-drafted constitution. Even though the People's Party leads in party-list votes, unofficial results show the Bhumjaithai Party on track to secure at least 200 MP seats, firmly placing it in the lead and in pole position to spearhead the formation of the next government.

8:40 p.m. — People's Party Holds Lead with 25% of Polling Stations Reporting

With a quarter of polling stations now reporting, the People's Party maintains pole position in the party-list vote at 21%. Bhumjaithai follows with 17%, and Pheu Thai edges in with 16%. Momentum is firmly with the reformists as regional reports show growing support in both Bangkok and some upcountry provinces. Election officials are urging patience as urban and rural tallies stream in. Want to dive deeper into Thai elections? Visit our Thailand Politics Glossary for essential terminology.

8:00 p.m. — Counting Almost a Tenth Complete: People's Party Surge in Party-List Vote

With ballots now counted at nearly 7,600 of the nation's polling stations (about 7.6% of the total), the party-list race is neck-and-neck: the People's Party leads with 17%, Bhumjaithai follows with 15%, and Pheu Thai takes 13%. These party-list seats are critical for building a majority coalition. In the single-seat constituency races, Bhumjaithai currently leads in 171 constituencies, with Kla Tham Party just ahead of Pheu Thai (66 and 65, respectively). But these numbers are still shifting. To see how party list and constituency seats are calculated, read this detailed breakdown.

7:15 p.m. — People's Party HQ: Rain Can't Dampen Spirits

Despite a downpour unusual for Thailand’s February dry season, about 50 ardent People's Party supporters and over 150 media reps packed into the party’s Bangkok headquarters. All eyes are glued to the results screens. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and top execs are locked in a closed-door meeting. Anticipation is sky-high as early returns put the People's Party in strong shape for the coveted party-list seats. For more on Thai political culture, learn about the concept of "Kreng Jai" that shapes interactions—especially on tense nights.

7:00 p.m. — Media Frenzy at Party HQs: Where Are the Leaders?

At Bhumjaithai HQ, more than 100 journalists are gathered as vans ferry party officials in and out. The media’s main question: Where is Anutin Charnvirakul? A senior party official tells reporters Anutin’s appearance “depends entirely” on the outcome—the PM is keeping everyone guessing.

Meanwhile, over at Pheu Thai’s headquarters, more than 50 media members are waiting eagerly. The party’s prime ministerial hopeful, Yodchanan Wongsawat (Thaksin Shinawatra’s nephew), is yet to arrive. Social media buzzes with speculation about post-election coalition talks.

Curious how party headquarters become media magnets during Thai votes? See our behind-the-scenes feature: Thailand Tourism in January 2026: Visitor Trends & Key Insights.

7:00 p.m. — It's Still Early: Bhumjaithai Leads Constituencies, People's Party Tops Party-List

With less than 1% of votes counted at this stage, Bhumjaithai holds an early lead in the direct races, but the People's Party is out in front for the all-important party-list vote. Election officials stress that these preliminary numbers can shift rapidly as tallies come in from urban and rural areas throughout the night. Who can vote in Thailand? Get the full eligibility and registration breakdown in our recent guide.

6:20 p.m. — First Ballots Counted: Too Soon to Spot Trends

Initial vote counts are being tallied—just over 60 polling stations have reported so far, less than 0.1% of Thailand’s total. Unsurprisingly, Bhumjaithai is performing well in these early constituencies. However, it’s much too soon for celebrations or tears; the real shape of the new parliament will only emerge later tonight. Wondering how Thai voters celebrate the big night? Read more about how Thais gather and watch national events.

6:00 p.m. — Official Counting Kicks Off: All Eyes on the Dashboard

The polls are now closed. The national Election Commission (EC) reminds the country that official results may take up to 60 days for certification, but unofficial results will start appearing tonight. The new lower house is required to convene within 15 days of EC validation, with its first major task: picking the next prime minister.

Insiders say coalition talks are already underway behind closed doors in Bangkok hotels, as parties angle for the magic number—251 seats for a majority. The wheeling and dealing of post-election Thai politics is, as ever, in full swing. For a look at how these backroom negotiations can reshape everything, read our guide to Thailand’s election impact on tourism and expat life.

5:40 p.m. — People's Party Set for Bangkok Sweep?

A NIDA poll predicts the People's Party will win all 33 Bangkok constituencies, echoing the urban dominance their predecessor Move Forward enjoyed in 2023 (32 seats). Bangkok’s turnout is being closely watched, with city votes seen as a weathervane for the country’s mood. Learn more about how Bangkok influences Thai trends in our look at Khao San Road’s History: From Rice Market to Backpacker Hub. To explore the city firsthand during this historic moment, browse top Bangkok activities here.

5:15 p.m. — Referendum Watch: Do Thais Want a New Constitution?

Alongside the main election, voters were asked whether the 2017 military-era constitution should be replaced. NIDA’s poll suggests 55% want a new charter, 32% want no change, and 14% are undecided. If over half the electorate says yes, it could kick-start a fresh round of constitutional reform debates in parliament. Curious about Thai constitutional law? Get the full background in our post on the history and significance of Constitution Day.

5:00 p.m. — Polls Close: Race Officially On

The final wave of voters made their choices just before the doors closed at 5:00 p.m. NIDA’s final pre-election survey expects Bhumjaithai to land between 140–150 seats, People's Party 125–135, and Pheu Thai 110–120. But as with every Thai election, surprise underdogs and shifting alliances can change the story in the blink of an eye.

• Polling agencies: NIDA, Election Commission data
• Major parties: Bhumjaithai (incumbent), People's Party (progressive), Pheu Thai
• Key issues: Economy, foreign policy, Thai constitution, coalition math (how coalition math works)

How Will the Results Shape Thailand’s Future?

With Thailand at a crossroads facing global economic uncertainty, regional border tension, and fierce debate about democracy’s future, tonight’s results will send ripples far beyond parliament. Coalition talks, possible constitutional change, and questions of legitimacy are on everyone’s minds. Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a long-term expat, or a Thai political junkie, tonight is one for the history books.

Stay tuned for further updates tonight and tomorrow as we break down the regional winners, emerging coalitions, and what the numbers really mean for the future. Don’t miss our in-depth follow-up analysis posts and real-world guides for living, working, and traveling in Thailand. Curious how new coalitions could affect everyday life? Discover more in our guide to how the election will reshape tourism and expat life, and brush up on Thailand’s public holidays in 2026 that the new government might influence. If you want to understand how voting systems work, check out our explainer on constituency vs. party-list voting. To see how regional issues influence politics, learn about how Thais rally during historic moments.

Key takeaways

• People's Party leads party-list vote as of 8:40 p.m.; Bhumjaithai tops constituency tallies
• Bangkok may see a People's Party sweep
• Preliminary results just the beginning—final outcomes may take days or weeks
• Constitution referendum signals appetite for major political change
• Coalition building already underway; expect political negotiations overnight
• Check our other posts for deeper dives into party platforms, political history, and what’s next for Thailand, including the history and significance of Constitution Day, an explainer on constituency vs. party-list voting, and analysis of how the election will reshape tourism and expat life. For local eligibility, see who can vote in Thailand's election.