Thai political parties draw election numbers ahead of Feb 8 polls

Political parties in Thailand on Sunday (December 28) drew up lottery numbers for their parties in the election campaign for the upcoming February polls.

Less than 100 days after he was elected premier, Thailand's caretaker leader Anutin Charnvirakul dissolved parliament earlier this month when his minority government faced the threat of a no-confidence vote.

If re-elected, Anutin said that key executives of his government will keep their roles, including Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun.

Anutin stands to gain from growing nationalist sentiment generated by the conflict with Cambodia, which reignited on his watch. However, analysts say the election could be close and grant no clear majority for any of the parties involved.

Yodchanan Wongsawat, a leading prime ministerial candidate with the Pheu Thai Party, said he hopes the election would be a new beginning of hope for the country.

Production: Artorn Pookasook, Juarawee Kittisilpa/Reuters