Will pro-military message bring Thailand’s ‘most hawkish’ party to power?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Erin HaleFebruary 7, 2026 at 04:24 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

As Thailand prepares for national elections, the ongoing border dispute with Cambodia is a key issue. Deadly clashes in 2025 led to a change in government, with Anutin Charnvirakul becoming Prime Minister. Anutin's Bhumjaithai Party is leveraging the conflict and rising nationalistic sentiment in its election campaign, presenting itself as a strong, pro-military force. Analysts say the party has taken the most hawkish stance on the border issue. The conflict has damaged the reputation of rival parties, particularly the Pheu Thai Party, making the border dispute a significant factor influencing the upcoming election.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

People’s Party 30% ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute 30% Napon Jatusripitak ×240% Paetongtarn Shinawatra 50% Sihasak Phuangketkeow 50% Thaksin Shinawatra ×250% Pheu Thai Party ×250% Bhumjaithai Party ×370% Anutin Charnvirakul ×470% Cambodia ×580% Thailand ×1090%

Keywords

thailand election 90% border conflict 80% nationalistic sentiment 70% bhumjaithai party 70% cambodia 60% military 60% anutin charnvirakul 50% hawkish 50% thai politics 40%