Thailand elections

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

Once at the forefront of the youthful protests against PM Prayut Chan-o-cha, activists weigh in on the stakes of the upcoming polls.

While the country's parties are crafting new populist pitches to Thai voters, factional politics still reigns supreme.

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

Dissolving parliament early would have some minor benefits for Prayut Chan-o-cha's United Thai Nation party, but is unlikely to significantly improve its chances.

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 country's political landscape is in a state of high flux as it moves toward next year's general election.

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.

Prayut Chan-o-cha is being courted by the newly formed Ruam Thai Sang Chart party, which was founded last year by one of his advisors.

New electoral rules have incentivized politicians to create a raft of new parties as a way of joining the governing coalition.

As Thailand moves toward elections due next year, the opposition Move Forward Party has unveiled a policy to enfranchise the country's Buddhist monks.