Thailand's two main opposition parties dominated the country's general election, but the military establishment will seek to leverage its institutional controls to retain power. Thailand's opposition progressive Move Forward Party (MFP) -- led by entrepreneur Pita Limjaroenrat -- and the center-left Pheu Thai Party (PTP) -- led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter and niece of two former prime ministers – emerged as the top seat winners in Thailand's May 14 general election, securing 151 and 141 seats, respectively, in the country's 500-seat House of Representatives. The moderate and former governing coalition partner Bhumjaitai Party (BJP) placed third, securing 70 seats. The Palang Pracharath Party and Ruam Thai Sang Chart -- the two military-backed parties -- won 41 and 36 seats, respectively. On May 15, Pita declared victory and announced that the MPF and the PTP will form a governing coalition with four other small parties, none of which were in...
