Paetongtarn thanks supporters after topping NIDA poll

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra expressed her gratitude to the public for their support after topping a quarterly poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) yesterday, September 29.

The 38 year old Thai premier garnered support from 31.35% of respondents, who commended her leadership and efforts in tackling the hardships faced by the nation.

Jirayu Huangsab, an adviser to the PM, conveyed her appreciation, attributing the success to the collaborative efforts of various government agencies.

While the poll results reflect public approval of both the government and the PM, Paetongtarn encouraged all government bodies to continue fulfilling their promises to alleviate poverty, according to Jirayu.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, who ranked third in the NIDA survey, downplayed the results, stating that fluctuations in popularity are normal and often influenced by the entity conducting the survey.

He added that the poll results would be used to enhance the party’s performance. Natthaphong assumed leadership of the People’s Party after its predecessor, the Move Forward Party, was dissolved on August 7.

When questioned about whether party MPs’ debates on Myanmar-related issues in the House affected its popularity, he dismissed it as irrelevant, emphasising the party’s commitment to focusing on facts and increasing community engagement.

The debates on Myanmar-related issues are irrelevant to our popularity, Natthaphong stated. We remain focused on facts and enhancing our engagement with communities.

In response to whether the party’s popularity was partly due to former MFP leader Pita Limjaroenrat, who was banned from politics following the MFP’s dissolution, Natthaphong affirmed his capabilities as a party leader and his role in leading the party to electoral success.

Natthaphong, who is expected to be formally appointed as the opposition leader this week, confirmed that the opposition will intensify its scrutiny of the government, Bangkok Post reported.

In related news, Thailand aims to eradicate poverty and build a prosperous economy within the remainder of its term, an adviser to PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra revealed.