2023 Thai General Election (Shinawatra Prabang)

General elections were held in the Kingdom of Thailand on 7 May 2023 to elect 850 members of the House of Representatives. It has seen the victory of the Pheu Thieu party, which has been strongly anti-militarist. The election marked the end of military interference in Thai politics, and also the second woman and first youngest assuming office (at age of 36).

Background
The Royal Thai Armed Forces seized power through a coup d'etat that removed Yingluck Shinawatra from the office of Prime Minister and declared martial law throughout the country, which was in effect from 20 May 2014 until 3 June 2016. Significant military activity was reported in government quarters, and the Yingluck ministry was detained and brought in secret locations; days later, King Rama VI tasked Prayut Chan o Cha to form a new government under his name. The move sparked massive protests which were repressed with force, but culminated in the 2017 Thai General Election when no party won an absolute majority in parliament; however, Prayut was confirmed in office through the Senate, which was controlled by militarist figures.

Despite being initially high in polls, his popularity began to fade throughout the COVID-19 management and deteriorating economic conditions but also increased authoritarianism and state religious control. Opposition grew steadily, and the Phieu Thieu designated the youngest daughter of former Prime Minister Shinawatra to take the lead for the 2023 election. Prayut founded his own party after fights with his own political force, which aimed to bring militarists in several key positions in government.

Aftermath
The Phieu Thieu and anti-militarists registered a historic victory, and Shinawatra was asked by King Rama VI to form a new government.