Thailand's 2026 Vote: Can Election Winners Finally Take Power?

Winning an election in Thailand is not the same as governing. For decades, the country's conservative establishment has used its power to block winning parties it sees as a threat. This group includes senior politicians, business tycoons, and military generals. They operate under the ultimate authority of the monarchy. While they allow elections, history shows they can use coups and legal maneuvers to remove governments. Now, some believe the 2026 election could break this pattern. A growing "orange wave" of progressive voters seeks change. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, a leader of this movement, says this time could be different. The coming vote will test if the old system can still control who holds power.