Thailand Certifies Election Results, Clearing Way for New Parliament Formation

Thailand's election commission certified 499 of 500 parliamentary seats from the February 8 general election, enabling the new parliament to convene within 15 days. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai Party won 191 seats and plans to form a coalition with the Pheu Thai Party and smaller parties, totaling an estimated 292 seats. Voter turnout was 71.42%, with 37.8 million participating. The commission continues to investigate 246 election-related complaints. The new government is expected to begin work in April.