Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s public support has dropped significantly, with a new opinion survey showing the majority of respondents now back opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut as the most suitable candidate for the premiership. The nationwide poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) between June 19 and 25, surveyed 2,000 people.
According to the results, 31.48% of respondents expressed preference for Natthaphong, leader of the People’s Party. Supporters cited his youth, boldness in expressing political opinions, and his modern and clear policy proposals. This marks a reversal from the previous quarterly poll in March, in which Paetongtarn led the field with 30.9% support, while Natthaphong received 22.9%.
Meanwhile, 19.88% of respondents said they did not find any candidate suitable for the prime ministerial role. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, a privy councillor and former prime minister, was named by 12.72% of respondents. Although not listed in the previous poll, Prayut was noted for his perceived honesty and efforts to maintain national stability.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul was favoured by 9.64%, just ahead of Prime Minister Paetongtarn, who received 9.20% support. Her significant decline in popularity comes in the wake of criticism over a leaked phone call earlier in June between her and Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, which drew political backlash.
In terms of party preference, 46.08% of respondents named the opposition-led People’s Party as their favourite. United Thai Nation (UTN) followed with 13.24%, Pheu Thai with 11.52%, and Bhumjaithai with 9.76%. About 7.72% of those surveyed indicated they had no party preference.
