Thailand opposition crushes military parties in election rout

Thailand's opposition secured a stunning election win after trouncing parties allied with the military. Initial results show the Move Forward and Pheu Thai parties surging ahead of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha with 99 percent of votes counted.

However, it was far from certain either will form the next government, with parliamentary rules written by the military after its 2014 coup skewed in its favour.

According to the rule, the opposition parties will



need to strike deals and muster support from multiple camps, including members of a junta-appointed Senate that has sided with military parties and gets to vote on who becomes prime minister and form the next administration.

The election has been described as a turning point for Thailand which has experienced military coups in its recent years.

Mr Prayuth led the last coup in 2014 and sought another term in office.