Photo courtesy of Thai Newsroom

 

In a recent NIDA poll, Abhisit Vejjajiva emerged as a favored candidate for prime minister among southern voters. Of the 2,000 respondents across all 14 southern provinces, 25% supported Abhisit, despite 32% remaining undecided ahead of the anticipated February general election. The poll was conducted before severe flooding impacted Hat Yai, which could affect political dynamics.

 

Abhisit, previously a low-profile figure, recently resumed leadership of the Democrat Party, Thailand's oldest political party. His tenure as prime minister spanned from 2008 to 2011 under a military-installed government. Since the 2019 election, he distanced himself from the party due to disagreements over supporting Prayut Chan-o-cha’s extended leadership.

 

The southern region has historically been a Democrat stronghold. However, the current political climate suggests significant shifts, with many Democrat MPs anticipated to join other parties such as Bhumjaithai and Klatham. These shifts come amidst dissatisfaction and political maneuvering following the 2023 elections when Democrats secured only 25 seats.

 

The recent catastrophic flooding in Hat Yai is expected to impact public perception of current Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Bhumjaithai, potentially diminishing their standing among southern voters. The mismanagement of the flood crisis has highlighted inefficiencies, leading to speculation about electoral impacts.

 

Looking ahead, Pheu Thai plans to introduce a censure motion against the prime minister and the Bhumjaithai-led cabinet imminently, following anticipated constitutional amendments. Prime Minister Anutin might call for a general election to forestall the censure, an action he can undertake before it is formally filed, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Key Takeaways

• Abhisit Vejjajiva is the leading candidate for PM in southern polls.
• Significant political shifts expected among Democrat MPs to other parties.
• Hat Yai floods may weaken Bhumjaithai’s support in the south.

 

Related Stories:

Abhisit Defends 2010 Crackdown, Cites Court Rulings & Acquittal

Abhisit Uses Taylor Swift Lyrics to Rally Democrat Party

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-01

 

 

 

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The mismanagement of the flood crisis has highlighted inefficiencies, leading to speculation about electoral impacts.

Stop looking at Anutin and take out any frustrations on inept local officials and governors.

Abhisit was not an effective PM the first time around, and I wonder if anything would be different now. He does seem to be considerably less toxic than the other candidates that are being bandied about, but they really do need a young and progressive candidate, and the public needs to figure out a way to get the elite to accept the results. 

 

If a young leader like Pita were to win again, and the corrupt political base decided to deny him once again, a 2-month work strike by every single individual in the country would certainly be an effective way to get their point across. 

Abhisit the Ever-Hopeful.

safe pair of hands ... with experience ... - he would be a good choice but usually the voters in the north decide things - dont they?