Most respondents to a Nida Poll disagree with the Pheu Thai party partnering with the two junta-linked parties, Palang Pracharath and United Thai Nation, to form a “government of reconciliation”, and most would prefer Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Thailand’s next prime minister.

The National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) conducted an opinion poll of 1,310 people aged over 18 andof various occupations and educational backgrounds across the country.

Asked about the “government of reconciliation”, to end the decades-old political colour polarization, the poll shows 47.71% of the respondents strongly disagree with such a government; 16.79% disagree, while 19.47% said that they strongly support such a government and 15.11% said they agree.

Asked who is most appropriate to be Thailand’s next prime minister, 38.63% of the respondents favour Paetongtarn, while 36.56% want Srettha Thavisin and 8.47% support Chaikasem Nitisiri, also of the Pheu Thai party.

The survey also shows that 39.62% have never voted for the Pheu Thai party or its two disbanded predecessors, Thai Rak Thai and Palang Prachachon. 33.13% said they voted for Pheu Thai and its predecessors; 26.72% said they did not vote for the party in the May 14th election, although they had voted for the party in the past.

Asked about the relationship between the Pheu Thai and Move Forward parties, 49.85% said the two are key political rivals, 27.33% said they are just acquaintances and 20.99% said they are good allies.