Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva topped the popularity list of opposition figures, followed by People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut ranked third, according to a survey by Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll, conducted nationwide from April 27 to 30, surveyed 2,214 respondents through both online and field interviews.
The opposition’s performance received the highest score at 4.31, while efforts to tackle drug problems and influential figures received the lowest rating at 3.22.
Among opposition figures, Abhisit led with 27.82%, followed by Rukchanok at 23.25%. Natthaphong ranked third with 17.24%, followed by MP Rangsiman Rome (16.07%) and Kla Tham Party leader Thammanat Prompao (15.62%).
File photo: Rukchanok Srinork (centre)
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut
Among government figures, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was seen as the most prominent, cited by 39.07% of respondents, followed by Higher Education Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat at 28.22%.
They were followed by Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun (17.01%), Energy Minister Akanat Promphan (9.78%) and Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow (5.92%).
Respondents gave the overall political index — a comparative tool measuring specific aspects of governance — an average score of 3.79, down from 3.89 in March, reflecting a decline across all indicators.
When asked what message they wanted to convey to the government, 49.82% of respondents said it should address cost-of-living pressures and ease the financial burden on the public.
Meanwhile, 44.37% said the opposition should focus on scrutinising corruption and government spending.
Pornphan Buathong, head of Suan Dusit Poll, said the decline in the political index across all indicators suggests that public concern extends beyond any single issue to overall performance in politics, governance, the economy and quality of life.
She noted that economic issues and cost-of-living concerns remain at relatively low levels of satisfaction.
Kanyakarn Satiansukon, assistant dean at the School of Law and Politics at Suan Dusit University, said external factors, such as tensions in the Middle East, are influencing public sentiment, particularly through rising energy costs.
She said increases in electricity, fuel and goods prices, without corresponding rises in income, have led to dissatisfaction being directed at the government’s ability to manage the impacts.
The external situation, she added, is testing the government’s capacity to respond effectively.
