Pheu Thai Party

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.

Opposition lawmakers have asked for a ruling on whether Prayut Chan-o-cha's time as military junta leader should count toward the constitutional term limit of eight years.

Two-thirds of respondents agreed with the Thai opposition's argument that the leader's time as military junta chief should count toward his constitutional term limit.

The Pheu Thai Party claims that the leader's time as the head of Thailand's junta should count toward his eight-year constitutional term limit.

The vote gave several hints about the likely direction of Thai politics ahead of next year's general election.

Saturday's vote ensures that Prayut Chan-o-cha will serve out the remainder of his term as prime minister.

Chadchart Sittipunt's victory points to the deep reservoir of discontent with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's military-backed coalition government.

The outcome of the May 22 election will offer clues as to how Thais might vote in the next national polls.

Despite boasting approval ratings of just 16 percent, the Thai prime minister's tenure seems set to drag on.

The election tweaks, which will benefit larger parties, are designed to solidify the control of Prime Minister Prayut's government.