An in-depth survey of Thairath Online readers shows Natthapong Ruangpanyawut leading as the preferred prime minister with 33.25 percent support, while the People’s Party has garnered popularity exceeding 41 percent, far ahead of Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties.
The survey titled “Opinion and Political Confidence Survey, January 2026” was conducted from 4 to 9 January 2026, with a maximum of 40,085 respondents, reflecting a snapshot of public political preferences in early 2026.
Regarding the question on the individual respondents support as prime minister, Natthapong Ruangpanyawut received the highest popularity at 33.25 percent, significantly ahead of Anutin Charnvirakul with 13.55 percent, Yossanan Wongsawat at 12.71 percent, and Abhisit Vejjajiva with 10.40 percent.
Other prime ministerial candidates received single-digit vote percentages, including Pira Pan Salirathavibhaga at 8.87 percent, General Rangsit Kitiyanatthap at 5.65 percent, and Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan at 2.96 percent.
In the question about which political party respondents would support, the People’s Party secured a remarkable 41.36 percent popularity, far surpassing major parties such as Pheu Thai at 13.24 percent, Bhumjaithai at 13.08 percent, and Democrat Party at 10.39 percent.
Other noteworthy political parties as potential political variables include Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party with 9.83 percent, the Economic Party at 4.26 percent, and Thai Sang Thai Party at 2.65 percent.
Demographically, the largest group providing opinions were aged 46-59 years, accounting for 32.71 percent, followed by those 60 and above at 19.85 percent, closely matched by the 36-45 age group at 19.55 percent. The youngest group, aged 18-25 years, had the smallest share at 10.20 percent.
Regarding geographic origin, the majority of respondents were from Bangkok and its metropolitan area at 48.48 percent, followed by the Central region (including East and West) at 16.88 percent, the Northeast at 14.53 percent, the North at 10.81 percent, and the South at 9.29 percent.
