(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Thailand would like to see their former opposition party administering the country, according to a poll by Bangkok University. 43 per cent of respondents would like the Democratic Party – Phak Prachatipat (PP) to form the government after this year’s general election.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many people in Thailand would like to see their former opposition party administering the country, according to a poll by Bangkok University. 43 per cent of respondents would like the Democratic Party – Phak Prachatipat (PP) to form the government after this year’s general election.
The People’s Power Party – Phak Palang Prachachon (PPP) is second with 20.7 per cent, followed by Thais United – Thai Ruam Jai Thai (RJT) with 7.7 per cent.
The PP was Thailand’s main opposition party during the tenure of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, leader of the Thai Love Thais Party – Phak Thai Rak Thai (TRT).
In April 2006, a general election was held after Thaksin decided to dissolve the House of Representatives. In May 2006, Thailand’s Constitutional Court ruled that the April general election was unconstitutional. In September, the Thai Armed Forces enacted a military coup. The group declared martial law, suspended the constitution, and affirmed their loyalty to the King. Surayud Chulanont was later appointed as the new head of government.
In May, a military-appointed Constitutional Tribunal banned Thaksin from participating in politics for five years, and ordered the dissolution of the TRT for allegedly breaking electoral rules in the annulled April 2006 ballot. The opposition PP was absolved of any wrongdoing.
On Jul. 6, the interim government approved the draft of a new Constitution. On Aug. 19, Thai voters ratified the new charter in a referendum, with roughly 58 per cent of the vote. Surayud has said a legislative election will take place in December.
On Jul. 29, several members of the TRT agreed to participate in the next general election with the PPP, a small and relatively unknown existing party. About 440 former members of the TRT have applied to join the PPP so far. Other TRT members created the Love the Nation Party – Phak Rak Chat (PRC), and a third group has assembled the RJT.
On Sept. 2, PP leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the interim administration to abandon regulations enacted after the military coup, saying, "The martial law should be lifted to enable politicians to organize political activities for the upcoming general election."
Polling Data
Which party would you want to form the core of the government after the next election?
|
Democratic Party – Phak Prachatipat (PP) |
43.0% |
|
People’s Power Party – Phak Palang Prachachon (PPP) |
20.7% |
|
Thais United – Thai Ruam Jai Thai (RJT) |
7.7% |
Source: Bangkok University
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,199 Thai adults, conducted from Aug. 29 to Aug. 31, 2007. 2007. No margin of error was provided.
