A majority of people want new political parties to form a government after the next general election -- and Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is the most popular choice to be prime minister, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on March 15-16 on 1,250 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country. The new poll comes after many questioned Nida's independence and freedom from political interference. On Jan 28 Nida's polling chief quit after a poll showing widespread opposition to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan over his luxury watches and rings was reportedly suppressed.
Asked what kind of political parties they think should form a government after the next general election, a majority -- 62.32% -- of respondents said they prefer new parties to old ones, reasoning that they want new people with new policies and new lines of thinking to take the helm. 37.68% prefer to stay with existing political parties, saying that they have the required experience, knowledge and capability to solve the country's problems.
Asked to name individuals they want to be prime minister, 38.64% of the respondents mentioned Gen Prayut. He was followed by Khunying Sudarat Keyurapan (Pheu Thai Party) at 13.04%, Abhitsit Vejjajiva (Democrat Party) at 12.24%, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit (Future Forward Party) at 6.88%. Chuan Leekpai (former prime minister from the Democrat Party) and Sereepisut Temiyavej (Seri Ruam Thai Party) were both chosen by 5.84% of respondents.
Other choices for prime minister making the list were Pol Lt Col Viroj Pao-in (acting Pheu Thai leader) 5.12%; Chuvit Kamolvisit (Rak Thailand Party) 4.96%; Somkid Jatusripitak (deputy prime minister) 2.88%; Piyabut Saengkanokkul (Future Forward Party) 1.52%, and Suthep Thaugsuban (chairman of the People's Democratic Reform Foundation) 0.72%.