Thailand's acting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has confirmed an agreement to form a coalition government with the Pheu Thai party, previously led by ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. This decision comes after Anutin's party, Bhumjaithai, won the recent elections but failed to achieve an outright majority, prompting them to seek alliances to establish a functioning government. Despite the results not being officially confirmed yet, Anutin expressed confidence in the coalition's potential, emphasizing the honor of receiving support from key representatives of Pheu Thai.

The Bhumjaithai party has experienced a significant rise in popularity, especially in light of the recent elections, where they improved their position from third place in the previous election cycle. Analysts note that the campaign was significantly influenced by national issues such as last year's border conflict with Cambodia, which is believed to have fostered a resurgence in nationalist sentiments that benefited Bhumjaithai. The coalition with Pheu Thai could mark a pivotal shift in Thailand's political landscape, although the exact implications remain to be assessed as more details of the electoral outcomes emerge.

Overall, this coalition represents not only a strategic political maneuver for stability but also highlights the ongoing influence of Thaksin's political legacy in contemporary Thai politics. Anutin's alignment with Pheu Thai might also signal a shift in the government's policy direction, especially if they incorporate elements that resonate with the nationalistic wave that propelled Bhumjaithai's electoral gains. As Thailand moves forward, the focus will be on how effectively this coalition can navigate the challenges ahead and cultivate support among the electorate.