The opposition People’s party has condemned some protest leaders for advocating for a coup, to topple the government of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and urged members of the public to withdraw their support for the Ruam Palang Paendin movement, which organised the yesterday’s rally at the Victory Monument in Bangkok.
In a statement today, the party says that a rally to demand the resignation of the prime minister and the withdrawal of coalition parties from the government is normal in a democracy.
The party alleged, however, that some protest leaders had taken the opportunity to advocate for a coup, which is unconstitutional and undemocratic.
It said that a coup would not solve the country’s political problems. On the contrary, it would worsen the political situation, distort judicial processes and benefit vested interests.
The party renewed its call for the prime minister to dissolve the House, to pave the way for a general election.
Meanwhile, a NIDA Poll reveals that People’s party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut is the most popular politician for Thailand’s next prime minister, with 31.48% of the votes.
The poll stated that 19.88% of the respondents voted for a non-existent second candidate.
The third favourite is General Prayut Chan-o-cha, receiving 12.72% of the votes. Fourth is Bhumjaithai party leader Anutin Charnvirakul, with 9.64%, and fifth place goes to Paetongtarn, the incumbent, with 9.20% of the votes.
Regarding the popularity of parties, the People’s party came first with 46.08% of the votes, followed by United Thai Nation, 13.24%, Pheu Thai, 11.52%, and Bhumjaithai, 9.76%.
NIDA conducted the opinion survey between June 19th and 25th to gauge the views of 2,500 people of different professional, educational and financial backgrounds across the country.
