Bangkok: The resurgence of the Democrat Party in Southern Thailand has sparked questions about the party’s revival under the leadership of Abhisit Vejjajiva. Former MP for Nakhon Si Thammarat, Mr. Thepthai Senapong, raised this question on his Facebook page, “Thepthai – Talking about Politics,” in light of recent developments in the region’s political landscape.
According to Thai News Agency, a Nida Poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration revealed a significant surge in popularity for the Democrat Party and its leader, Abhisit Vejjajiva, among southern citizens. This shift has prompted discussions and excitement about the changing political currents in the South.
The Nida Poll results indicate that the Democrat Party is regaining its status as the preferred choice for southerners. Following a decline in popularity after the 2019 and 2023 elections, the party’s support base has seen a revival, with many former supporters returning. The survey shows the Democrat Party’s populari
ty at 28.60%, closely matched by Abhisit’s personal popularity at 25.65%.
The rise in the Democrat Party’s popularity has affected rival parties in the region. The People’s Party, which had a popularity rating of 29.92% in 2023, has seen its support drop to 17.80%. Meanwhile, the Democrat Party’s popularity has more than tripled, from 8.19% to 28.60%. This competition for ideological support is likely to split the voter base, with both parties vying for the same segment.
In southern politics, constituency MPs play a crucial role. The Democrat Party, known for promoting honest politics, may face challenges against parties that focus on ideology, such as the Prachachon Party. The current electoral system, with its two-ballot structure, allows voters to choose based on party preference or engage in vote-buying, impacting the distribution of constituency MP seats.
The influence of the Nida Poll results extends to party-list MPs, potentially affecting the overall composition of the parliament. Political parties
with ample resources and strategic capabilities are likely to have an advantage in the upcoming election.