Poll findings released yesterday show further declining support for current PM Srettha Thavisin and another rise in Move Forward’s popularity.
The Move Forward Party won the most votes in last year’s May 28 general election but its then leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, was blocked from becoming PM by opposition MPs and the unelected members of the Senate, who voted together in a joint sitting of parliament.
Once a quarter, the National Institute of Development Administration surveys the public on their favourite political leaders. The latest poll shows only 12.9% of those surveyed support the PM, down from 17.8% in the previous poll in March. The popularity of Pheu Thai leader, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thaksin Shinawatra, is also on the slide, going from 6% to 4.9%.
Pita Limjaroenrat, now chief advisor to the Move Forward Party, is still favourite to be PM, according to poll respondents. His popularity has gone from from 42.8% in March to 45.5% in the latest poll. Those surveyed expressed admiration for Pita’s political ideology and overall knowledge.
Overall, Move Forward remains the most popular party with respondents, with 49.2%, a slight increase since March. The Pheu Thai Party’s popularity has gone from 22.1% to 16.9%.
Meanwhile, Pirapan Salirathavibhaga from the United Thai Nation Party has seen his popularity nearly double, from 3.6% to 6.9%. Respondents cited Pirapan’s credibility, describing him as honest.
Other popular contenders for the PM title were Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan of the Thai Sang Thai Party and Bhumjaithai leader and former health minister, Anutin Chanvirakul. However, their popularity lagged behind others.
Around 20% of those surveyed couldn’t find anyone they’d want as PM, which is the same percentage as March’s survey.
Meanwhile, those who did come out in support of the PM describe him as “decisive and determined to solve the country’s problems”. Those who favoured Paetongtarn say “she demonstrates vision, knowledge, leadership, and an understanding of Thailand’s problems”.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
