Thailand Votes as Three-Way Race Raises Risk of Stalemate

Thai voters headed to the polls on Sunday in what is seen as a three-cornered contest, with most pre-poll surveys signaling a fractured mandate that could trigger a fresh bout of political paralysis.

About 53 million voters are eligible to cast ballots in the snap election and a concurrent referendum on a new constitution. The race is seen as a high-stakes showdown between the ruling conservative Bhumjaithai Party, the progressive People’s Party and a populist Pheu Thai Party poised to tip the balance if no party wins outright.