Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is the most influential person in Thai politics, more so even than Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pita Limjaroenrat, advisor to Move Forward party leader, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).

The NIDA poll gauged the opinions of 1,310 Thais aged over 18 from 27^th to 29^th February.

Asked who they think is the most influential person in Thai politics, 42.90% of the respondents said Thaksin, 21.91% said Srettha, 17% chose Pita, 15.11% said former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 9.01% said Paetongtarn Shinawatra and 6.11% went for General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party. 10.15% chose nobody.

Asked about which politician is worthy of the most sympathy, 46.79% said Pita, followed by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Srettha, Prayut and Thaksin.