What Next for Thailand After Anutin’s Surprise Election Win?

An unexpected election victory for the pro-royalist Bhumjaithai Party led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to bring some stability to Thailand following years of political upheaval that left its economy adrift.

Anutin rode a wave of nationalism fueled by simmering tensions with neighboring Cambodia and has pledged to preserve the country’s traditional power structures. His party will now be the largest bloc in the 500-member House of Representatives, according to preliminary results, allowing him to form a coalition with a clear majority to govern.