Anutin and Bhumjaithai lose support in NIDA poll

Public support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party fell sharply between June and September, according to a new nationwide survey by the National Institute of Development Administration.

The poll was conducted as the government faces pressure over higher global energy prices, which have raised concerns about inflation and weaker economic growth in Thailand.

Support falls for PM and ruling party

Only 13.8 per cent of respondents named Anutin as their preferred prime minister, down from 21.7 per cent in June.

Bhumjaithai's support dropped to 12.1 per cent from 17 per cent over the same period, putting it third in party preferences behind the opposition People's Party and coalition partner Pheu Thai.

NIDA surveyed 2,500 adults nationwide by telephone between September 18 and 23. The results were released on September 27.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut of the People's Party remained the most popular named candidate for prime minister, although his rating fell to 24.7 per cent from 26.1 per cent in June.

The proportion of respondents unable to name a suitable candidate almost doubled to 19.8 per cent, compared with 10.2 per cent in the previous survey.

People's Party retains a clear lead

The People's Party increased its lead in party preferences slightly, rising to 35.4 per cent from 34.8 per cent.

Pheu Thai climbed to 18.4 per cent from 16.8 per cent, while the Democrat Party's support fell to 9.8 per cent from 12.7 per cent.

Pheu Thai's Yodchanan Wongsawat placed fourth among preferred prime ministerial candidates, with 11.3 per cent support, little changed from 11.6 per cent in June.

Former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva received 9.60 per cent, down from 11.8 per cent.

Energy costs and floods add to government pressure

The government has extended cost-of-living assistance introduced after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices above US$100 a barrel.

The survey was completed before severe flooding hit Bangkok. Nearly 300mm of rain fell over about 48 hours, swamping major roads and disrupting transport and businesses.

Bangkok subsequently declared all 50 districts disaster zones, adding another challenge for the government.

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29 September 2026