Thai election live: Vote counting underway as early results come in

Vote counting is currently underway in Thailand as the country participates in a general election characterized by a three-way race among three main political parties. The election features the military-backed ruling conservatives, the progressive People's Party, and the populist Pheu Thai party, which is associated with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Analysts suggest that no party is expected to secure an outright parliamentary majority, raising concerns about potential political instability following the election (France24, Al Jazeera). The election is taking place against a backdrop of sluggish economic growth and heightened nationalist sentiment, with 53 million registered voters casting their ballots. This election follows the collapse of several coalition governments, prompting voters to choose between options that represent either sweeping change or continuity in governance (BBC, France24). The competition reflects differing visions of governance, with the progressive, populist, and traditional patronage politics vying for public support (France24). As the vote counting progresses, the implications of the election results remain uncertain, with analysts noting the potential for a fragmented parliament. This situation could complicate the formation of a stable government, as no single party is anticipated to dominate the parliamentary landscape (Al Jazeera, AP News). The outcome of this election will be crucial in determining Thailand's political direction in the coming years.