News analysis

Thai election: Young party's fate may affect political stability

Year-old Future Forward Party seen as fresh start for Thai politics

Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit attributes the attacks on his party to its success.
Future Forward Party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit attributes the attacks on his party to its success. PHOTO: DPA
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One of the surprise winners in Thailand's election on March 24 is now under siege, fighting off criminal charges and allegations that it is hostile to the monarchy. What happens next could fundamentally alter the political equation.

Promising a fresh start from the kingdom's polarised politics, the youthful Future Forward Party, set up just one year ago, won over six million votes nationwide, putting it in third place, behind the former ruling Pheu Thai and pro-junta Palang Pracharath.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 06, 2019, with the headline Thai election: Young party's fate may affect political stability. Subscribe