Despite Their Electoral Victory, Thai Opposition Parties Will Struggle To Form a Government

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...