Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and his reformist People's Party lead recent polls ahead of Thailand's Feb. 8 election, presenting a major hurdle for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. A Suan Dusit University survey of 26,621 people gives Natthaphong 35.1%, Yoshanan Wongsawat 21.5% and Anutin 16.1%. A separate NIDA poll also shows Natthaphong ahead at 29%, while Anutin edges up to 22.2%. The results raise the stakes for post-election coalition talks and the future governing path.
Natthaphong Tops Thai Polls Ahead Of Feb. 8 Vote, Poses Major Challenge To PM Anutin
People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut speaks during a general election campaign rally ahead of Thailand's general election, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 25, 2026. REUTERS/Patipat Janthong
BANGKOK, Jan 30 — Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the progressive People's Party, remained the clear frontrunner in opinion polls published Friday, intensifying the challenge facing Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul as Thailand heads into a Feb. 8 election.
Recent polling indicates the race has consolidated into a three-way contest between Anutin's conservative Bhumjaithai Party, the former ruling Pheu Thai Party and the reformist People's Party.
A Suan Dusit University survey released on Friday found Natthaphong with 35.1% support, followed by Pheu Thai's prime ministerial candidate Yoshanan Wongsawat at 21.5% and Anutin at 16.1%. The Suan Dusit poll interviewed 26,621 people between Jan. 16 and Jan. 28.
People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut takes a selfie with supporters during a general election campaign rally ahead of Thailand's general election, in Bangkok, Thailand, January 25, 2026. REUTERS/Patipat Janthong
A separate poll from the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) also put Natthaphong in the lead, with 29% backing (up from 24.7% earlier in January), while Anutin rose modestly to 22.2%.
The People's Party is the successor to Move Forward, which won the 2023 election but was prevented by conservative lawmakers from forming a government and was later dissolved by a court order. That unresolved political friction has reshaped the contest and voter alignments going into this snap poll.
Anutin called the snap election on Dec. 12 after serving fewer than 100 days as premier, following a chaotic parliamentary session that risked a no-confidence motion and the collapse of his fragile minority administration. The vote was also called during a sharp, three-week border clash with Cambodia, adding to political and security tensions.
What's At Stake
With polls showing a competitive field, Anutin faces the twin tasks of consolidating conservative-leaning voters and laying out a credible post-election governing plan. Observers expect tight coalition negotiations after the vote, making vote shares and party alliances crucial to who ultimately forms government.
Reporting: Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat. Editing: David Stanway.
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