Bangkok - Thailand's political future appeared uncertain yesterday after provisional results from Saturday's general election showed voters had backed a billionaire tycoon who has been indicted for lying about the extent of his wealth. Television exit polls combined with unofficial results indicated the opposition Thai Rak Thai (Thais Love Thais) party of policeman-turned-telecoms magnate Mr Thaksin Shinawatra could gain 257 of the 500 seats.
The prime minister, Mr Chuan Leekpai, conceded defeat despite revotes being ordered in several constituencies and investigations into vote-buying expected in dozens of others.
If the final results, which are not expected for weeks, confirm the exit poll predictions it will be the first time in Thai history that one party has held an absolute majority.