High-Stakes Thai Vote Tests Appetite for Political Reform

Thailand’s major political parties staged final rallies ahead of an election that pits the status quo against sweeping political and economic reform.

The Feb. 8 election is effectively a three-way contest between the ruling conservative Bhumjaithai party, the progressive People’s Party and populist Pheu Thai. Overall, roughly 60 parties are vying for the support of 53 million eligible voters, who will also decide whether to replace a military-drafted constitution that’s been in force since 2017 when the army ruled.