Dusit Poll Shows Public Has Limited Understanding of Constitutional Referendum, Still Supports Teng and Peoples Party as Number One

A Dusit Poll survey shows that the public has limited understanding of the constitutional referendum, indicating the constitution feels distant in terms of comprehension but close in terms of impact. Meanwhile, for the 2026 election, popularity remains with 'Teng' and the People's Party as the top choice.

On 25 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Dusit Poll at Suan Dusit University conducted a nationwide survey on "Thai People and the Constitutional Referendum and 2026 Election" with a sample of 2,269 people. Using stratified random sampling by main regions proportional to actual population structure, data was collected through a mixed method: 70% fieldwork and 30% online from 20-23 Jan 2026 GMT+7. The results are summarized as follows.

1. Have the public ever read or studied the 2017 Constitution?

• Rank 1: Have read parts of it, 53.15%.
• Rank 2: Have never read it at all, 43.76%.
• Rank 3: Have read it completely, 3.09%.

2. Overall, how much do people think they understand the 2017 Constitution?

• Rank 1: Understand a little, just roughly, 47.82%.
• Rank 2: Do not understand at all, 24.77%.
• Rank 3: Understand moderately, have an overview, 21.86%.
• Rank 4: Understand very well, can explain to others, 5.55%.

3. What do people think are the “advantages” of the 2017 Constitution?

• Rank 1: Has strong mechanisms to check politicians, 37.99%.
• Rank 2: Sets the country's long-term development direction, 36.89%.
• Rank 3: Helps create political stability, 25.34%.
• No clear strengths seen, 35.13%.

4. What do people think are the “limitations” of the 2017 Constitution?

• Rank 1: Allows unelected mechanisms to hold high power, 41.65%.
• Rank 2: Causes political gridlock/lack of stability, 33.98%.
• Rank 3: Impacts solving livelihood and economic problems, 31.42%.
• No clear limitations seen, 27.15%.

5. What additional information do people want to help decide how to vote in the referendum?

• Rank 1: The role of public participation in the constitution, 50.29%.
• Rank 2: Why the constitution needs to be amended, 41.25%.
• Rank 3: Impact on political and economic stability, 40.11%.
• Rank 4: How the constitution relates to people’s lives, 39.36%.

6. How much do people think the “constitution” relates to their lives?

• Rank 1: Quite related, 38.70%.
• Rank 2: Very related, 26.22%.
• Rank 3: Slightly related, 24.24%.
• Rank 4: Not related at all, 10.84%.

7. For the 2026 election, which party will people choose on the party-list?

• Rank 1: People’s Party, 33.14% (down from 34.23% in 6-9 Jan 2026 survey).
• Rank 2: Pheu Thai Party, 20.76% (up from 16.03%).
• Rank 3: Bhumjaithai Party, 16.57% (up from 16.22%).
• Rank 4: Democrat Party, 11.46% (up from 9.02%).
• Rank 5: Economic Party, 3.97% (up from 3.13%).
• Others 10.79% including Kla Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Palang Pracharath Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, New Democracy Party, etc. (down from 11.12%).
• Undecided 3.31% (down from 10.25%).

8. Which party will people choose for constituency MPs?

• Rank 1: People’s Party, 31.16% (down from 33.56% in 6-9 Jan 2026 survey).
• Rank 2: Pheu Thai Party, 21.20% (up from 18.46%).
• Rank 3: Bhumjaithai Party, 18.11% (up from 16.29%).
• Rank 4: Democrat Party, 10.14% (up from 8.05%).
• Rank 5: Kla Party, 4.19% (up from 1.79%).
• Others 11.18% including Economic Party, Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, Palang Pracharath Party, New Democracy Party, Thai Sang Thai Party, etc. (up from 8.87%).
• Undecided 4.02% (down from 12.98%).

9. Who do people want as the next Prime Minister?

• Rank 1: Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut (People’s Party), 33.80% (up from 31.99% in 6-9 Jan 2026 survey).
• Rank 2: Mr. Yotsanan Wongsawat (Pheu Thai Party), 20.98% (up from 17.45%).
• Rank 3: Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul (Bhumjaithai Party), 17.23% (up from 15.14%).
• Rank 4: Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva (Democrat Party), 11.24% (up from 10.81%).
• Rank 5: Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao (Kla Party), 4.85% (up from 1.57%).
• Others 9.03% including Gen. Rangsi Kittiyanusap, Mr. Peeraphan Salirathavibhak, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, Ms. Treenuch Thienthong, Mr. Suchatvee Suwansawat (down from 11.41%).
• Undecided 2.87% (down from 11.63%).

Dr. Pornpan Buathong, Chair of Dusit Poll, stated that the poll results reflect that while the constitution remains distant in terms of understanding, its effects are felt closely. Most have only read parts and understand roughly, so they seek information showing the public’s role and how the constitution relates to daily life. Regarding the 2026 election, popularity trends are consistent across party-list, constituency, and individual candidates, with the People’s Party maintaining a leading position without significant change ahead of the election.

Assoc. Prof. Kanyakarn Sathiansukon, Assistant Dean for International Relations at the School of Law and Politics, Suan Dusit University, explained that the survey on public opinion about the referendum and the 2026 election clearly reflects the relationship between the public and Thailand’s political system overall. Regarding the constitutional amendment referendum, people show interest but remain uncertain, possessing a moderate but not deep understanding. This is not due to political apathy but reflects structural complexities and distance from everyday life inherent in the constitution.

Considering attitudes toward the election, it is evident that the public evaluates both the “rules” and “political players” simultaneously, choosing parties based on expectations for the future and ability to address livelihood issues rather than traditional political loyalties. Thus, the public’s relationship with political parties is fragile but open to policy competition. In this context, the 2026 referendum and election should not be viewed merely as democratic processes but as crucial opportunities to build understanding, enhance public participation, and strengthen the legitimacy of Thailand’s democracy.