Bangkok — Thailand will hold its next general election on February 8, 2026, the Election Commission announced on Monday, formally setting the timeline for a national poll following the dissolution of parliament.
In a statement, the Election Commission said it had finalized the election schedule and confirmed Sunday, February 8 as polling day, with advance voting scheduled for February 1. Political parties are required to nominate their prime ministerial candidates before the end of this year.
The election follows Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s decision to dissolve parliament on Friday, triggering a constitutional requirement to hold elections within 45 to 60 days. Anutin, leader of the conservative Bhumjaithai Party, assumed office in September after his predecessor was removed for an ethics violation.
Thailand’s return to the polls comes amid heightened tensions along the Thailand–Cambodia border, where a long-running dispute has resurfaced into active military clashes this month. The conflict has reportedly killed at least 31 people and displaced around 800,000, adding a major security backdrop to the election.
Anutin, known for championing cannabis liberalization, became Thailand’s third prime minister in two years, heading a coalition government that was formed with an understanding that parliament would be dissolved to seek a fresh mandate.
The upcoming election is expected to test political stability in the kingdom as voters head to the polls amid security concerns and recent leadership changes.
