Bangkok: The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) has announced that if the Thai Parliament is dissolved today, the readiness of political parties to field candidates in upcoming elections will soon be revealed. Kla Tham Party stands out with representation in all 77 provinces, enabling it to field candidates in 400 primaries nationwide. The ECT ranks first in terms of membership, followed by the Democrat Party and Bhumjaithai Party.
According to Thai News Agency, if Parliament is dissolved and elections are held within 45-60 days, the 2018 Organic Act on Political Parties will guide the process for primary votes to nominate candidates under Sections 49 and 50. The party branch or provincial party representative plays a crucial role in recruiting members and candidates for both party-list and constituency elections. As of September 1, 2025, a review of the Election Commission's data shows 76 political parties have the capacity to hold primary votes.
Kla Tham Party is currently the only major political party with provincial branches and representatives in all 77 provinces, boasting 149,379 members. The Democrat Party follows with 61,831 members and representations in 75 provinces, while Bhumjaithai Party has 60,167 members in 74 provinces.
Other notable parties include Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party with 41,824 members in 56 provinces, and Pheu Thai Party with 37,431 members in 44 provinces. Palang Pracharath Party has 65,111 members across 38 provinces, and Seri Ruam Thai Party has 51,212 members in 36 provinces. The People's Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Chartthaipattana Party, Prachachat Party, and Chart Pattana Party have varying numbers of members and provincial representations.
The overall readiness of political parties averages at 17% due to the dissolution of many branches post the 2023 election. Legal complexities and costs have hindered the establishment of new branches. However, three parties, including Pheu Thai Party, Prachachon Party, and New Opportunity Party, are appointing new representatives, totaling 45, to enhance their readiness.