Thailand's conservative Bhumjaithai party wins election and prepares to form government

Thailand's conservative Bhumjaithai party, led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, won the country's snap general election. The party took a wide lead in a three-way race but did not secure an outright majority, meaning it will need coalition partners to form a government.

Anutin claimed victory for his party. The Pheu Thai party has said it will back Bhumjaithai to lead the coalition government. The election body has certified most of the election results.

Bhumjaithai's win was described as a surprise. The election was seen as a test of Anutin's political gamble on nationalist themes.