Factbox-Thailand’s election in numbers

BANGKOK, Feb 6 (Reuters) – Thailand will hold a general election on February 8 in a showdown between three big parties that could lead to its fourth prime minister in less than three years. 

Below are some facts and figures about the election. 

– 57 parties have registered to take part 

– 53 million people are eligible to cast ballots 

– 500 seats are available in the House of Representatives, 400 by constituency and 100 by party list

– 5,089 candidates have registered

– 2 of the major parties, People’s Party and Pheu Thai, are third incarnations of predecessors dissolved by Thai courts

– 93 politicians from 43 parties have been formally submitted as potential prime minister candidates

– 5 of the past 6 elections were won by the Pheu Thai party or its earlier incarnations

– 251 parliamentary votes are needed for a candidate to become prime minister

– 3 ballot papers are given to voters, two for the election and one for a referendum on whether to pursue changes to the constitution

– 3 is the number of prime ministers Thailand has had since the 2023 election

– 1 elected Thai government has completed a full, four-year term in the past quarter-century 

– 60 days is the period after the election when results must be certified by the poll body, or no later than April 9

– 15 days is the time in which the new parliament must convene after results are confirmed

(Compiled by Martin Petty; Editing by Kate Mayberry)