Picture courtesy of Thai Rath

 

Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn brushed off concerns today as Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva gained popularity in southern Thailand. Despite Abhisit's increased appeal, Pipat remains confident while overseeing electoral campaigns for the Bhumjaithai party in the region, amidst criticism over the government's handling of severe flooding in Hat Yai.

 

Reports indicate southerners hold a long-standing affinity for the Democrats, as evidenced by a recent NIDA poll showing 25% favour Abhisit as prime minister over Anutin Charnvirakul, the current Bhumjaithai and interior minister. Only 15% backed Anutin, with 32% undecided, as the region awaits an expected election in February.

 

Former Democrat MP Theptai Saenapong predicts the Democrats could gain more party-listed MP seats, driven by Abhisit's leadership. However, he foresees challenges in securing constituency-based seats, likely contested by Bhumjaithai and Klatham's ultra-conservative candidates. This comes as flood mismanagement damages the government’s reputation.

 

Bhumjaithai has set goals to secure half of southern MP seats, while Klatham eyes 20 seats in the next election. Despite current setbacks, Anutin is optimistic about surpassing previous election outcomes where Bhumjaithai obtained just three party-listed MP seats. Seven Democrat MPs are expected to shift allegiance to Bhumjaithai or Klatham.

 

In last year’s election, both parties secured only three of 100 party-listed seats. In contrast, Bhumjaithai captured 68 of the 400 constituency-based seats, while the Democrats claimed 22. The Klatham party had not participated, reported Thai Newsroom.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Pipat remains unfazed by Abhisit's rising popularity in the south.
• NIDA poll shows Abhisit leading with 25% support, 15% back Anutin.
• Mismanagement of flooding impacts Bhumjaithai’s image regionally.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Thai Newsroom 2025-12-03

 

 

 

 

•  
• Quote

On 12/3/2025 at 3:23 AM, webfact said:

Pipat brushed off concerns

Pipat remains confident 

however

Quote

 Abhisit's Surge in Popularity Among Southerners Alarms Pipat

 

So, Pipat is alarmed while confidently brushing off concerns...?

 

not that I give a ff about any of 'em