Pheu Thai and Move Forward are the undisputed front-runners in the polls conducted by Nation Media Group and the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) for the May 14 election.
According to two recent polls, Pita Limjaroenrat, the head of the Move Forward party, has unexpectedly emerged as the top contender to become Thailand’s next prime minister.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra of the Pheu Thai party, who had been dominating most surveys this year, has been surpassed by Pita, a 42-year-old Harvard alum.
Pita’s rise is a reflection of the surge of Move Forward, a progressive party that appeals to young Thais who are fed up with Prayuth Chan-ocha’s military-backed administration. Former army chief Prayuth, who took over in a coup in 2014, has seen his popularity decline as a result of the country’s economic problems, political upheaval, and a sluggish COVID-19 immunization program.
Pheu Thai and Move Forward are clearly in the lead for the May 14 election, according to polls by Nation Media Group and the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), both having about three times as many supporters as Prayuth’s United Thai Nation party. Palang Pracharat, a party that supports the military, and its coalition allies, the Democrats and Bhumjaithai, are far behind.
Paetongtarn, 36, is related to two former prime ministers who were overthrown by military coups through her aunt and niece. Since giving birth to her second child on Monday, she has not participated in any political campaigns. She has disclaimed working with parties with military support and hinted that if Pheu Thai wins the election, she would form an alliance with Move Forward.
The election will be a key test for Thailand’s democracy, which has been plagued by demonstrations and coups for many years. The result may determine whether or not the nation can overcome its political divisions and tackle its economic and social problems.
