An analysis of the party-list candidates from five major parties in the 2026 election reveals that it will reflect the parties' true popularity. Experts observe a strong conservative wave benefiting Bhumjaithai, which has delivered results, while Abhisit Vejjajiva is helping to revive the Democrat Party.
Today (28 Dec 2025 GMT+7) marks the first day the Election Commission opens registration for party-list MPs, or party-lists, and assigns numbers to be used in campaigning. There are 100 party-list MP slots for parties to compete for votes. Today, 52 political parties registered with a total of 1,502 candidates.
Thairath Online special news team spoke with Assistant Professor Lieutenant Junior Grade Chatupol Duangjit, a lecturer at the College of Social Innovation, Rangsit University. About the overall picture of the party-list MP contest involving the five major parties expected to receive the most votes in the 2026 election.
Chatupol believes this party-list election will more clearly measure party popularity than previous elections. The last two elections were less clear due to occurring after a coup or long-held power monopolies, with considerable MP swing between groups, making it uncertain who the true power blocs were. Today, power arrangements are clearer and centered on the Bhumjaithai Party.
The top five party-list MPs are Anutin Charnvirakul, party leader and first prime ministerial candidate; Chaichanok Chidchob; Varawut Silpa-archa; Santi Promphat; and Sabida Thaiset. Among them are two political factions newly joining, placed high on the list, considered a list with a promising future and continuity.
Additionally, Bhumjaithai benefits from announcing three deputy prime ministers who previously served as ministers with good public images and have delivered results during the past two months of government, along with the "Khon La Khrueng Plus" policy, which has gained considerable popularity among grassroots citizens.
Recently, Pheu Thai may have appeared weaker due to legal and political battles. The top five party-list MPs are Yoschanan Wongsawat; Julaphan Amornvivat; Suriya Juangroongruangkit; Phairoj Lohsoonthorn; and Prasert Chantrawong. They are expected to maintain some degree of confidence due to their seniority and experience, combined with the party's established base. Yoschanan's entry has also received a fairly positive response.
Chatupol views Prachachon's popularity as challenged by recent political changes, which have diminished the party's credibility, especially due to criticism of its approach to managing conflicts and state relations, which some groups or generations may find disagreeable. This may have strengthened the blue faction's support.
The top five party-list MPs are Natthapong Ruangpanyawut; Sirikanya Tansakul; Weerayut Kanchuchat; Sia Champathong; and Isariya Paireepairit. They appear average, not much different from before. Meanwhile, Prachachon has lost some magnetic candidates and MPs with strong bases. This election will serve as a gauge of how much support remains for those who favored the party's ideology and new politics.
Chatupol believes Democrat will be a key variable after Abhisit Vejjajiva returned as party leader, revitalizing the party and making it more watchworthy. The top three prime ministerial candidates within the top five party-list ranks have experience and maturity. Although representing the conservative faction, they appeal to middle-aged voters who find such characters interesting and believe such figures should be present in parliament.
Kla Tham's top five party-list MPs are Lieutenant Colonel Thammanat Prompao; Narumol Binyosinwat; Paweena Hongsakul; Lieutenant Commander Anudit Nakornthap; and Wikrom Techateerawat. Chatupol sees Narumol as the most interesting figure with the least baggage due to her experience. Kla Tham relies more on constituency MPs, so if those MPs can push voters to support the party, its chances improve.
Chatupol says it depends on party leaders or prime ministerial candidates' qualifications and the party's character.
"First is the individual’s experience and personal background, which is important. Next is the party and past performance. Undeniably, Bhumjaithai has clearer recent results, though its momentum slowed during the floods. During parliament dissolution and the factional splits, we saw MPs switching parties, usually to those likely to form government. This election might reduce the strength of some big parties unexpectedly."
Meanwhile, if voters are divided into conservative groups, and liberal groups, it is expected that conservatives will support Bhumjaithai and Democrat, with Abhisit restoring image and confidence, while the progressive base supporting Prachachon must be watched to see if their vote holds.
Not to forget the large centrist group. Comparing just conservatives and progressives, conservatives likely have the advantage. "The top party-list candidates are well-known figures; those further down may benefit from this. Voters likely evaluate based on party color, demonstrated achievements, policy proposals, and support from constituency MPs who have closer ties to the public. However, some voters like the constituency MP but not the party."
"Smaller parties" as another factor in government formation.
They have support power to win party-list seats and may become variables in future government formation. A slight concern is
the party-list numbers, which might cause confusion, especially among ordinary citizens with limited awareness. However, it is believed that all parties will actively raise public awareness of their party numbers during the campaign.