Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was viewed as the most prominent government politician, while former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was rated the most outstanding opposition figure, according to a Suan Dusit University poll released today.
On the government side, Anutin ranked first with 37.07% support, followed by his deputy, Yodchanan Wongsawat, at 29.06%, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas at 16.09%, Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised at 10.76%, and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow at 7.02%.
On the opposition side, Abhisit Vejjajiva topped the rankings with 25.19%, narrowly ahead of People’s Party MP Rukchanok Srinork at 24.96%.
Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, came third with 24.59%, followed by Sirikanya Tansakun at 13.98% and Parit Wacharasindhu at 11.28%.
The survey, conducted between May 26-29 among 2,166 respondents nationwide, also showed that Thailand’s political index for May fell to 3.66 points, down from 3.79 points in April.
Among the indicators measured, the performance of the opposition received the highest rating at 4.13 points, while efforts to tackle narcotics and influential criminal figures received the lowest score at 3.09 points.
The survey also found that 56.83% of respondents expected the government’s “Thai Chuay Thai Plus” scheme to help reduce living costs.
Another 23.42% believed the government would be able to implement its promised policies, while 19.75% wanted authorities to solve energy-related problems by reducing electricity and fuel prices.
Meanwhile, 49.87% of respondents expected the opposition to closely monitor and scrutinise the government’s performance.
About 29.36% wanted opposition parties to fully perform their role while adhering to their principles, while 20.77% said both sides should work together to solve problems and improve the country.
