6 February 2005

Thaksin wins by a landslide

Even the most grandiose predictions for the general election were dwarfed by the landslide victory won by Thai Rak Thai (TRT).

The party claimed 350 constituency and party-list seats in the 500-member parliament. Although the Election Commission said vote buying was prevalent, the results vindicated the party’s populist policies. The wide margin meant TRT could push through policies without threat of a censure motion.

Although Thaksin achieved his goal of forming a single-party government, critics warned that a lack of checks and balances could lead to abuses of power.

Mahachon Party leader Anek Laothammathat charged that the ruling party had warned voters in the north and northeast that they would not receive development funds if they did not support the party.

The crushing defeat led to the leaders of the Democrat and Mahachon parties stepping down, paving the way for the young and charismatic Abhisit Vejjajiva to take charge of the Democrats.

6 February 2005

Thaksin wins by a landslide

Even the most grandiose predictions for the general election were dwarfed by the landslide victory won by Thai Rak Thai (TRT).

The party claimed 350 constituency and party-list seats in the 500-member parliament. Although the Election Commission said vote buying was prevalent, the results vindicated the party’s populist policies. The wide margin meant TRT could push through policies without threat of a censure motion.

Although Thaksin achieved his goal of forming a single-party government, critics warned that a lack of checks and balances could lead to abuses of power.

Mahachon Party leader Anek Laothammathat charged that the ruling party had warned voters in the north and northeast that they would not receive development funds if they did not support the party.

The crushing defeat led to the leaders of the Democrat and Mahachon parties stepping down, paving the way for the young and charismatic Abhisit Vejjajiva to take charge of the Democrats.