Paetongtarn Shinawatra

There are several reasons to think that the fugitive former PM might actually be becoming home.

Whatever the result, this week's election is unlikely to resolve the contradiction that has produced a state of rolling crisis in the country's politics.

The ex-leader's announcement that he wants to return to Thailand after the May 14 polls is political risky and potentially destabilizing.

According to a new poll, the Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties command the support of more than 60 percent of the electorate two weeks ahead of the May 14 election.

The opposition Pheu Thai Party is well placed to win the May 14 polls. But will it be able to form government?

Two surveys conducted earlier this month show the opposition Pheu Thai Party and Move Forward Party commanding significant support among the electorate.

The polls will once again see a showdown between the allies of exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and the country's conservative establishment.

The upcoming election, due to fall in early May, will see the Thai leader stand for election for the first time.

A new poll shows the Thai leader as the preferred candidate among respondents in the capital Bangkok.

If elected, she would become the third Shinawatra to lead Thailand after her father and aunt – both of whom were removed by military coups.

The Pheu Thai Party is seeking to end nearly a decade of military-backed rule, but faces many challenges in a political system designed in part to exclude it from power.