Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he was highly optimistic about the general election results after more than 20% of the votes had been counted as of 10 pm, giving his party a comfortable lead.
If the trend continues, Bhumjaithai would emerge as the election winner with a considerable gap between the party and the Orange camp. Bhumjaithai was projected to secure more than 190 seats, compared with close to 100 seats for the People’s Party.
“From our observation and counting results from various sources, the trend is pointing to us being the winner, although an official announcement is still a long way off,” he said.
He insisted that the eventual official results from the Election Commission are crucial and that Bhumjaithai must wait for them.
He was speaking at Bhumjaithai headquarters, which was crowded with well-wishers and reporters.
Anutin thanked “every vote” and said that popular Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun was among the factors contributing to the party’s strong showing in the polls.
He avoided talking about government formation, saying official results were still a long way off.
The press conference took place after People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut virtually conceded defeat in the election, although a large number of votes remained to be counted.
