Bangkok: Polls indicate that Nattapong and the People's Party are still leading in the final stretch, with many wanting to see a coalition between the People's Party and the Pheu Thai Party.
According to Thai News Agency, a recent public opinion survey conducted by Assistant Professor Sanit Siriwisitkul, Head of the North Bangkok Poll Center at North Bangkok University, shows that Nattapong Weerasethakul of the People's Party maintains his lead, though the gap with his competitors has narrowed. In the race for Prime Minister, he is followed by Yotsanu of the Pheu Thai Party, with Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party in third place. The poll reflects a strong public desire for a coalition between the People's Party and Pheu Thai.
The survey, conducted from January 20-27, 2026, with 2,157 samples nationwide, assessed voter preferences for political parties and prospective prime ministers ahead of the 2026 general election. It revealed that 35.00% of respondents favor the People's Party to lead the government, followed closely by the Pheu Thai Party at 31.20%. The Bhumjaithai Party garnered 13.60%, while the Democrat Party received 8.60% support. Other parties like the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, Thai Kao Mai Party, and Setthakit Party received lower support percentages.
For the position of Prime Minister, Nattapong Ruangpanyawut leads with 33.30% support, slightly ahead of Yotsanan Wongsawat at 31.80%. Anutin Charnvirakul follows with 14.10%, and Abhisit Vejjajiva trails with 7.60%. Other candidates received less support, indicating a competitive race among the top contenders.
The survey also explored voter preferences for constituency MPs, with the Pheu Thai Party leading at 33.80%, followed by the People's Party at 31.50%. Bhumjaithai and Democrat parties also received notable support.
Regarding factors influencing voter decisions, 46.40% of respondents prioritize the political party of the candidate, while 37.60% consider both the party and the individual. A smaller segment focuses solely on the individual's qualities.
Voter behavior in party-list and constituency elections shows that 78.20% align their votes for both party and individual candidates from the same party, whereas 21.80% split their votes between different parties.
Ahead of the general election on February 8, 2026, 82.00% of respondents express a firm intention to vote, while 18.00% do not plan to participate. The survey highlights public preferences for potential coalition governments, with a People's Party and Pheu Thai partnership favored by 31.40% of respondents.
Regional distribution of respondents includes Bangkok Metropolitan Area (27.60%), Greater Bangkok area (19.50%), and various other regions, reflecting diverse public opinions.
The survey also examines the impact of campaign strategies and debates, with 66.50% of voters remaining loyal to their original party, 19.50% undecided, and 14.00% swayed towards supporting a different party.