Thailand’s two biggest political parties will be deserted by a large number of voters in the upcoming election. But to Pheu Thai, the loss of support will be more strategic than problematic. The Democrat Party, facing a more daunting short-term prospect, must be wishing it were in the same situation.

The Election Commission (EC) is gathering information regarding former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s alleged interference in the Pheu Thai Party’s internal affairs, EC secretary-general Jarungvith Phumma said on Tuesday.