Thamanat Prompow, secretary-general of the ruling Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), has defended a popularity poll conducted by his faction last week which gave discouraging results for some party MPs.
Thamanat: Looking for feedback
He said the internal poll was organised to gauge MPs' performance and no MPs should begrudge the result.
A source in the ruling party said the survey, conducted by Capt Thamanat's own faction in the PPRP, showed the popularity of some MPs in the South has declined.
Results suggested some MPs in the South and Bangkok were elected largely because of the popularity of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha rather than their own capabilities or having their own support base.
This contrasted with MPs in the North and Northeast, many of whom belong to Capt Thamanat's faction, and where the news about their performance was better, the source added.
The MPs in the North and the Northeast were elected due to other factors rather than relying solely on Gen Prayut's popularity, the source said, adding that several MPs had no knowledge of the poll being conducted.
On Saturday, Capt Thamanat said the survey was reliable as it served to assess the MPs' work. It also gave the party an idea on how it can improve to heighten its chance of winning at the next election.
No MPs should "not feel hurt or despondent by the survey".
"Personally, I commissioned an opinion survey to let me know how I am faring as an MP. I need feedback so I can strive to be better," he said.
Capt Thamanat declined to say whether he will support Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as PM. He said the issue must be vetted by party executives and decided by the party leader.