According to the latest poll, Thailand's main opposition party, Pheu Thai, is leading the race ahead of the country's upcoming general election on May 14. The party, which has a long-standing affiliation with former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, has secured the support of 41.37% of surveyed voters, which is a significant lead over its political rivals.
The Move Forward Party, which has proposed some of the most progressive policies, is in second place with 19.32% support. Meanwhile, the United Thai Nation Party, led by incumbent premier Prayuth Chan-Ocha, has received 8.48% support, and the Palang Pracharath Party, led by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, has 7.49% support.
The upcoming election is expected to be a battle between the pro-establishment groups of the ruling military-backed coalition and the pro-democracy camp of opposition parties. All major parties are promising similar packages of cash handouts, higher minimum wages, and the suspension of debt repayments to appeal to around 52 million eligible voters.
In another survey by Thai language newspapers Matichon and Daily News, the leader of the Move Forward Party, Pita Limjaroenrat, was the top choice for premier with 49.17% support. He was followed by two candidates from Pheu Thai: Thaksin's youngest daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, with 19.59% backing, and Srettha Thavisin with 15.54%. The poll was conducted virtually, and the results were based on some 78,000 respondents between April 22 and 28.
The popularity of Prayuth and Prawit, both of whom are retired generals, continues to trail behind the prime ministerial candidates from the opposition camp. The incumbent premier received 6.52% support, while the Palang Pracharath Party leader was picked by just 2.35% of respondents.
Overall, the polls suggest that Pheu Thai is in a strong position to win the upcoming election, although anything can happen in the final days of the campaign.