Thais turned out in force to vote in today's general election with an estimated voter turnout of 76 percent.
For the third time since Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed in a military coup five years ago, voters endorsed his political party's leadership-by-proxy.
This time around, that means political neophyte Yingluck Shinawatra (right) will likely be elevated to the station of prime minister. Thaksin's youngest sister is giving her victory speech following the honorable concession of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party.
Yingluck is projecting modesty and humility. Reporters want to know if she'll be taking orders from her brother -- she said matters of governance are not his business.
Initial exit polls had suggested a landslide victory of unexpected enormity, but the official returns, which are still coming in, indicate a more modest lead.
Unofficial results now put her party at 255 seats -- enough to command an outright majority in the 500-seat legislature. Despite that, she is appealing for coalition partners to join her forthcoming government.
