21 September 2024

Most respondents to a recent poll say that they don’t see anyone qualified to be their first choice as Thailand’s next Prime Minister, but some chose General Prayut Chan-o-cha as their preferred choice, citing his honesty, his several years of experience in national governance and his straightforwardness.

The same poll shows that the opposition Pheu Thai party is more popular than the ruling Palang Pracharat party, and the popularity of government coalition parties, Palang Pracharat, Democrat, Bhumjaithai, New Economics and Prachachart, is declining.

The National Institute Development Administration (NIDA) poll gauged the opinions of 2,517 people, in different occupations and of various educational levels, on June 23rd and 24th.

The poll shows 44.06% of the respondents don’t see anyone good enough to be the Prime Minister of Thailand, while 25.47% vouched for incumbent Prayut, claiming he is honest, straightforward, and able to restore and maintain peace and order.

Pheu Thai party’s chief strategist, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, is the second choice with 8.07% impressed with her track record and no-nonsense character.

4.57% favour Seri Ruam Thai party leader Pol Gen Seripisut Temiyavet for his straightforwardness and honesty.

3.93% chose Kao Klai party leader Pitha Limcharoenrat, 1.67% went for Kla party leader Korn Chatikavanich and 0.99% for Pheu Thai party leader Sompong Amornvivat.

When asked about their favorite parties, 32.38% of the respondents said they do not support any particular party, 20.70% said they favour the Pheu Thai party, 15.73% support the Palang Pracharat party, 13.47% like the Kao Klai party and 7.75% support the Democrat party.

The Ruam Palang Prachachart Thai party, led by Suthep Thaugsuban, received only 0.08% support among the respondents.