Thai PM Anutin’s Support Drops in Latest Poll as Pressures Rise

Public backing for Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has plummeted, according to a recent poll, amid mounting pressures over soaring oil prices and a potential court ruling that could undermine his administration's stability. Anutin's approval rating dropped from 21.7% in June to 13.8% in September, a nationwide survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration revealed.

Bhumjaithai Party's support dwindled to 12.1% from 17% over the same timeframe, relegating it to third place behind the opposition People's Party and coalition partner Pheu Thai. The decline in popularity coincides with the impact of elevated global energy costs on Thai households and businesses, as Thai government extends relief measures introduced following the Middle East conflict, which drove oil prices above $100 a barrel.

Anutin's administration is set to face its most significant political challenge on Monday, when the Constitutional Court is expected to rule on a dispute over alleged voting secrecy breaches during the February election that resulted in Bhumjaithai's rise to power. The court's decision could potentially force Thailand to hold fresh elections.

The poll, conducted just before severe flooding inundated Bangkok, added another layer of difficulty for the government, which declared all 50 districts disaster zones after 300 millimeters of rain fell over a 48-hour period, disrupting commerce and transportation. Despite the setbacks, opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut remains the preferred choice for prime minister, albeit his support has decreased to 24.7% from 26.1% in June.

Pheu Thai's Yodchanan Wongsawat secured fourth place with 11.3%, while former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's backing fell to 9.60% from 11.8%. The People's Party maintained a substantial lead in party preferences, increasing to 35.4% from 34.8%, while Pheu Thai rose to 18.4% from 16.8%, and the Democrat Party declined to 9.8% from 12.7%.