Allies of Thailand's fugitive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra stormed to victory in elections, in a remarkable comeback after years of turmoil sparked by his ouster in a military coup. With 92 percent of votes counted, Puea Thai had won 260 seats out of 500, well ahead of the Democrats with 163, according to the Election Commission. -- PHOTO: AFP
BANGKOK - ALLIES of Thailand's fugitive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra stormed to victory in elections on Sunday, in a remarkable comeback after years of turmoil sparked by his ouster in a military coup.
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva conceded defeat and congratulated a victorious opposition led by Thaksin's youngest sister, Ms Yingluck Shinawatra, who is now set to become Thailand first female premier.
With 92 per cent of votes counted, Puea Thai had won 260 seats out of 500, well ahead of the Democrats with 163, according to the Election Commission.
'The outcome is clear - Puea Thai has won the election and the Democrats are defeated,' Mr Abhisit told supporters at the party's Bangkok headquarters.
The poll was the first major electoral test for the elite-backed government since mass demonstrations by Thaksin's 'Red Shirt' supporters last year paralysed Bangkok and unleashed the worst political violence in decades.
A smiling Ms Yingluck earlier addressed jubilant supports at the Puea Thai Party's headquarters in the Thai capital, saying: 'Thaksin has called to congratulate me and said there was a tough job ahead. -- AFP
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