PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Thanks Public After Topping Poll

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FILE - Leader of Pheu Thai Party, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, wave before press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to the public on Sunday after topping a quarterly poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida). Ms Paetongtarn secured 31.35% support, with respondents lauding her leadership and efforts to address the country's various challenges.

 

Jirayu Huangsab, the prime minister’s adviser, conveyed Ms Paetongtarn's appreciation, noting that the success was attributed to the collaborative teamwork of government agencies. He stated that while the poll results reflected broad public approval, the prime minister urged all government bodies to stay committed to their promises aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the nation's overall well-being.

 

Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of Thailand's People's Party (PP) and third in the Nida poll, downplayed the results, suggesting that such fluctuations in popularity are normal and often vary depending on the poll conductor. Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the feedback would be valuable in enhancing the party's performance.

Elected as the leader of the PP following the dissolution of its predecessor, the Move Forward Party (MFP), Mr Natthaphong maintained that the party's engagement in House debates, particularly on Myanmar-related issues, had no bearing on its popularity. He also noted that the party's commitment to facts and community engagement remains steadfast.

 

In response to questions about the influence of former MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was banned from politics following the MFP’s dissolution, Mr Natthaphong affirmed his own capability as a party leader, having led the PP to electoral success. He expressed confidence in his leadership ahead of his expected formal appointment as opposition leader this week.

 

Mr Natthaphong indicated that the opposition plans to intensify its scrutiny of the government, ensuring accountability and transparency as they navigate through the political landscape, reported Bangkok Post.

 

In the face of political ebb and flow, Ms Paetongtarn's recent poll victory serves as a reflection of her administration's ongoing efforts to connect with and address the needs of the Thai populace, setting a promising tone for her tenure ahead.

 

-- 2024-09-30