Major foreign media outlets see the Thai general election as a major crossroads for a country familiar with military intervention in politics, but with a ballooning movement against the old norms.
According to the BBC, “The election is being described as a turning point for a country that has experienced a dozen military coups in its recent history. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha, the army general who led the last coup in 2014, is seeking another term, but he is facing a strong challenge from two anti-military parties.”
CNN expects Pheu Thai to emerge more prominently from the election, but called Move Forward a “game changer” with aggressive policies and youthful candidates. Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat was lauded for his eloquence, which has made him one of the leading prime ministerial candidates.
Aljazeera said the LGBTQ community expects that the election could help effect significant change in social attitudes regarding sexual equality.
Reuters said trends favour opposition parties and the news agency also saw the election as another bout between conservatives and their rivals.
The Wall Street Journal was another western media outlet that reported the election as an attempt to “break the grip” of the status quo politically.
