Thai PM’s party on track to win election in blow to pro-democracy camp

Staunch royalist Anutin Charnvirakul's Bhumjaithai party builds commanding lead on disappointing night for rivals

The party of the Thai prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, a staunch royalist and shrewd political dealmaker, is on track to win the most seats in Sunday's election after a disappointing night for his rivals in the youthful, pro-democracy People's party.

We are likely to take first place in the election," the 59-year-old told reporters at the headquarters for his Bhumjaithai party in Bangkok. The victory today belongs to all Thais, no matter whether you voted for us or not," he said.