10 February 1969

National elections helds

Thais went out to vote in the country’s first national elections in 11 years. In total 1,522 candidates, from a dozen parties plus independents, vied for 219 seats in the House of Representatives.

Premier Thanom Kittikachorn’s United Thai People Party (UTPP) performed well in the countryside, though the Democrats won Bangkok and Thon Buri, subsequently forming the main opposition.

Final tallies included 75 seats for Thanom’s UTPP and 72 independents, which afforded them the chance to challenge the regime as a single block. They failed to do so, however, with many being wooed away.

‘With the president of Parliament having reported to His Majesty the King that the democratic process has been carried out, His Majesty the King considers Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn deserves the royal confidence to serve as prime minister,’ read a March 7 proclamation.

10 February 1969

National elections helds

Thais went out to vote in the country’s first national elections in 11 years. In total 1,522 candidates, from a dozen parties plus independents, vied for 219 seats in the House of Representatives.

Premier Thanom Kittikachorn’s United Thai People Party (UTPP) performed well in the countryside, though the Democrats won Bangkok and Thon Buri, subsequently forming the main opposition.

Final tallies included 75 seats for Thanom’s UTPP and 72 independents, which afforded them the chance to challenge the regime as a single block. They failed to do so, however, with many being wooed away.

‘With the president of Parliament having reported to His Majesty the King that the democratic process has been carried out, His Majesty the King considers Field Marshal Thanom Kittikachorn deserves the royal confidence to serve as prime minister,’ read a March 7 proclamation.