Thailand’s post-election landscape could shift

Significance

The coalition they have formed comprises 313 out of 500 House of Representatives members-elect. It will require the backing of at least 376 lawmakers across the House and 250-member, military-appointed Senate to secure the premiership and an opportunity to govern.

Impacts

• Reformist groups will hold several demonstrations aimed at pressuring senators to vote in favour of the coalition.
• If the coalition takes power, it will likely find itself at loggerheads with the military over the latter’s engagement with Myanmar’s junta.
• Although Pita is US-educated and Move Forward is staunchly pro-democracy, a Pita-led government would avoid getting too close to Washington.