Paetongtarn, Pheu Thai take huge lead in Northeast poll as election looms

Titled "Economic policies that meet Isaan people's needs", the survey was conducted from February 24-26 on 1,200 respondents aged over 18 in all 20 northeastern provinces.

The survey was conducted to find out which economic policies and parties Isaan residents are interested in, said Suthin Wianwiwat, head of E-Saan Poll. The Northeast is a key election battleground as it offers the highest number of MP seats of any region in the country. The election is tentatively scheduled for May 7.

Paetongtarn, the youngest daughter of former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, topped the choices for next PM with 30.1%, followed by Thai Sang Thai leader Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan (17.1%) and Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat (14.5%).

Incumbent PM Prayut Chan-o-cha of the United Thai Nation (UTN) party came fourth with 11.2%, followed by Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul (10.8%), Palang Pracharath (PPRP) leader Prawit Wongsuwan (5.3%), Democrat leader Jurin Laksanawisit (3.4%), Thai Liberal leader Sereepisuth Temeeyaves (1.9%) and Chart Pattana Kla leader Korn Chatikavanij (1.4%).

Asked which party they would vote for in the constituency election:

– 33.4% said Pheu Thai

– 16% said Thai Sang Thai

– 14.6% said Move Forward

– 11.1% said Bhumjaithai

– 11.1% said UTN

– 5.7% said PPRP

– 3.5% said Democrats

– 1.7% said Thai Liberal

Asked which party they would vote for in the party-list election:

– 35.1% said Pheu Thai

– 15.7% said Thai Sang Thai

– 13.7% said Move Forward

– 11.3% said Bhumjaithai

– 11.2% said UTN

– 5.1% said PPRP

– 3.4% said Democrats

– 1.7% said Thai Liberal

Pheu Thai's policies to increase the minimum wage, improve medical welfare and boost the creative economy were popular with respondents.

Thai Sang Thai won hearts with its policies on pensions, tackling debts, and free education.

Move Forward won favour with policies on aiding business operations, devolving power to the provinces, and raising the minimum wage and subsidies for the disabled.

Bhumjaithai gained popularity from its policies to tackle debts and maintain agriculture crop prices.

Respondents liked UTN and PPRP policies to raise payments for state welfare cardholders and reduce power bills.

Meanwhile, the Democrats won plaudits for their policies on crop prices and free education.

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