Thai Prime Minister Anutin consolidates power in elections

The Bhumjaithai Party of Thailand's conservative Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul won a clear victory in Sunday's general election, raising prospects that a more stable coalition could now succeed in ending a period of prolonged political instability.

Anutin paved the way for early elections in mid-December during a border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, a move that political analysts say the leader likely timed to capitalize on rising nationalism.

It was a gamble that paid off for the prime minister, who—after taking power when Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of the populist Pheu Thai party was ousted over the Cambodia crisis—dissolved parliament less than 100 days later.

"The victory of the Bhumjaithai Party is a victory for all Thais today, whether you voted for the party or not," Anutin said at a press conference. "We must do our utmost to serve the Thai people to the fullest."

With nearly 95 percent of polling stations counted, preliminary results indicate that the Bhumjaithai party won approximately 192 seats, compared to 117 seats for the progressive People's Party and 74 for the once-dominant Pheu Thai party.

A handful of other parties won a combined 117 seats in the 500-member parliament.

(reuters, im)