Allies of Thailand’s fugitive ex-leader Thaksin Shinawatra stormed to victory in elections yesterday, in a remarkable comeback after years of turmoil sparked by his overthrow in a military coup.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva conceded defeat and congratulated the opposition led by Mr Thaksin’s youngest sister, Yingluck Shinawatra, who is now set to become Thailand premier.

With almost all the votes counted, Puea Thai had won a clear majority with 263 seats out of 500, well ahead of Abhisit’s Democrats with 161, according to the Election Commission, which estimated turnout at 74 percent.

“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 Mr Thaksin’s “Red Shirt” supporters last year paralysed Bangkok and unleashed the worst political violence in decades.

A smiling 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.”

The 44-year-old telegenic businesswoman, a political novice who Thaksin has described as his “clone”, said she was working on building a coalition with the smaller Chart Thai Pattana and other parties.

“People are giving me a chance and I will work to my best ability,” she added.