Bangkok: "Thanaporn" analyzes poll results, indicating that "conservative" politics in Thailand remains dominant, with Anutin as a key figure. Regarding the land bridge project, she believes southerners won't oppose it, seeing it as an opportunity for the government to move forward, but emphasizes the need for complete information.
According to Thai News Agency, on May 3, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Thanaporn Sriyakul, a political analyst, provided insights into the Suan Dusit Poll's Thai political index survey for April and the NIDA Poll's survey on the land bridge project. She considers these results important for understanding the trajectory of Thai politics across various dimensions.
The overall political confidence has dipped slightly from 3.89 to 3.79 points. A notable aspect is the continued scrutiny of Anutin Charnvirakul's role, both positively and negatively, underscoring his influence as a "key figure" in conservative politics today. Associate Professor Dr. Thanaporn interprets this trend as evidence of a solidifying conservative political base, with leaders gaining acceptance through the electoral process, which could contribute to enduring political legitimacy.
In the government, other political leaders, like Deputy Prime Minister Yotsanu Wongsawat, enjoy high popularity ratings, which signals a resurgence in the Pheu Thai Party and a restoration of confidence among its supporters. On the opposition front, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn notes that progressive political parties still struggle to adjust their strategies. Despite having many MPs, their political roles are not as prominent, allowing figures like Abhisit Vejjajiva to gain more attention.
Political leadership ratings reveal that individuals from conservative factions, such as Anutin, Yotsanulok, and Abhisit, hold a leading position. This suggests that the "conservative bloc" remains central to the balance of power in Thai politics.
Concerning the land bridge project, the NIDA poll indicates that people in the South do not oppose it. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanaporn sees it as a chance for the government to advance a large-scale policy amidst economic challenges. However, she stresses the need for more public information.
The government must prioritize public communication, provide complete information, and encourage community participation to build understanding and trust, especially regarding the environmental impact and cost-effectiveness of projects. Associate Professor Dr. Thanaporn also highlights that differing opinions within the same political party are beneficial in a democracy, as they indicate internal checks and balances. This underscores the necessity for the government to genuinely create space for listening to diverse opinions.