Bangkok Post - Prime Minister thanks public after coming top in poll

PUBLISHED: September 29, 2024 at 8:55 p.m

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Sunday thanked the public for their support after he came first in a quarterly survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).

Ms Paetongtarn received support from 31.35% of respondents, who praised her leadership and efforts in addressing the needs of the people.

Jirayu Huangsab, Adviser to the Prime Minister, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister and said Ms. Paetongtarn owes the success to teamwork between government agencies.

While the poll result reflected public approval of both the government and the prime minister, Ms. Paetongtarn urged all government agencies to continue to deliver on their promises to lift the country out of poverty, Mr. Jirayu said.

People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who came third in the Nida poll, played down the result, saying fluctuations in popularity were normal and often depended on who conducted the poll.

However, the poll result will be used to improve the party's performance, he said.

Mr Natthaphong was elected leader of the PP after its predecessor, the Move Forward Party, was dissolved on August 7.

Asked whether party MPs' debates on Myanmar-related issues in the House of Representatives had affected its popularity, he said it was irrelevant, before adding that the party would continue to focus on facts and strengthen its engagement in communities become.

Asked whether the party's popularity was partly due to former MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was banished from politics after the MFP was dissolved, he said he had proven himself to be a capable party leader and led the party to electoral success.

Mr Natthaphong, who is expected to be officially named opposition leader this week, said the opposition would tighten its control over the government.