The parliamentary election and referendum are being held in Thailand today.

Thailand is holding a pivotal parliamentary election today, Sunday, 8 February, alongside a nationwide referendum on constitutional reforms. Polling stations have already opened, and citizens are casting their votes in what is seen as a crucial moment for the country’s political landscape.

Interestingly, this election is being held ahead of schedule. The previous general election took place in 2023, and those elected were expected to serve in the lower house of parliament for a four-year term. However, due to a series of political upheavals, the government decided to call an early election, just two years into the term.

Why the Early Election?

The move towards an early election is rooted in a series of events that destabilised the previous administration:

May 2025: Tensions escalated along the border with neighbouring Cambodia, resulting in the death of a Thai soldier during a Cambodian attack.

June 2025: In an attempt to ease tensions, then-Prime Minister Paetongtarn Sinawatra contacted Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen. During the call, Sinawatra referred to Hun Sen as “Uncle” and publicly criticised her own military. The recording of this private conversation was leaked, sparking public outrage against her administration.

Following the leak, the Future Thai Party, Sinawatra’s main coalition partner, announced it was withdrawing support, leaving her government in a precarious position.

August 2025: Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that Prime Minister Sinawatra had breached ethical standards, forcing her resignation.

September 2025: The second-largest party in parliament, Bhumjaithai, formed a new coalition with the Progressive People’s Party, led by Anutin Charnvirakul. Anutin assumed the premiership under the condition that he would dissolve parliament and call an early general election.

December 2025: Fulfilling the agreement, Anutin dissolved parliament, paving the way for today’s early election.

Timeline of Key Events Leading to the Election

Today’s election is being closely monitored both domestically and internationally, as it will not only determine the composition of Thailand’s parliament for the next term but may also have significant implications for the nation’s constitutional framework. Voter turnout, political alliances, and the outcome of the referendum are all expected to play decisive roles in shaping the country’s future governance.