Most people support a plan to reform the Democrat Party, according to survey results released on Saturday by Suan Dusit Poll.
The pollsters from Suan Dusit Rajabhat University based their conclusions on interviews with 1,134 people in Bangkok and nearby provinces between May 15 and 17.
They said 61.3% of the respondents supported the Democrats' reform plan, saying it would help improve the management of the party, serve as an example for other political parties, and help improve Thai politics.
However, 34% of respondents said that even without reforms, the party was an acceptable option for voters. They viewed the reform process as an internal party affair that might not necessarily translate into benefits for the public.
Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said this week that the party did not expect to be the main beneficiary of the reforms. Rather, he said, they were aimed at making the party a more effective force to drive the country forward.
Party members have begun reviewing a blueprint drafted by Alongkorn Ponlaboot, a deputy leader, on a series of changes.
Mr Abhisit said the changes would position the Democrats to serve as a strong opposition or as the core of a future government, whatever the political situation and regardless of current conflicts.
Only 4.65% of those surveyed by Suan Dusit disagreed with the reform plan. They said the Democrat Party was a long-established institution with its own ideology. It should not be changed instantly and any reforms should be made gradually, step by step, they said.