Most voters have yet find to settle on their preferred PM candidate in the upcoming general elections, according to an opinion poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida).
The poll was conducted on Sept 15-21 among 2,500 people aged 18 and over. It aimed to pin down the political figures believed most suitable to be the next prime minister. The survey is the third of a quarterly series carried out by the pollsters.
Almost one in four (24.1%) respondents said nobody was suitable for the post while 21.6% chose Ms Paetongtarn Shinawatra, daughter of former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra and head of the Pheu Thai family.
The reasons given for her popularity include a desire for someone from the younger generation to take the helm of the country's administration, along with widespread affinity for the Pheu Thai Party and the Shinawatra family.
However, the popularity of Ms Paetongtarn dropped from the previous survey in June which about 25.2% said they wanted her to be the premier.
About 10.5% supported Mr Pita Limjaroenrat, leader of the Move Forward Party, citing his political ideology and the party's policies. His popularity also dropped from 13.2% in the second survey.
Coming in the fourth was Gen Prayut Chan-ocha with 10.1% of those asked backing the suspended Prime Minister.
His popularity also dropped from 11.6% in last survey. His supporters cited a belief in his honesty and straightforwardness as reasons they backed him, adding he had led the country through a difficult time.
Retaining her fifth spot from the last poll was Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan (9.1%), leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party. Her popularity, however, increased from 6.8% last survey. Participants admired her achievements and experience as well as wanted to give a woman a chance to run the country.
Next in the poll was Pol Gen Sereepisuth Temeeyaves (6.2%), leader of the Seri Ruam Thai Party, followed by Anutin Charnvirakul (2.4%), leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, Dr Cholnan Srikaew (2.2%), leader of the Pheu Thai Party, Chadchart Sittipunt (2.1%), the current Bangkok governor, Korn Chatikavanij (2.1%) of the Chat Pattana Party, Somkid Jatisripitak (1.9%) of the Sang Anakhot Thai Party and Jurin Laksanawisit (1.6%), leader of the Democrat Party.
When asked about current political affiliations, 34.4% named the Pheu Thai Party while 24% said "none".
About 13.5% chose the Move Forward Party, 7.5% selected the Democrat Party, followed by 5.5% for the Palang Pracharath Party, 3% the Thai Sang Thai Party, 2.5% the Seri Ruam Thai Party, 2.3% the Bhumjaithai Party and 1% the Chart Pattana Party.
About 2.4% said they had no answer or were not interested in any political party.