Thai Prime Minister‘s Popularity Plummets Amidst Diplomatic Scandal
Bangkok – Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a significant drop in public support, with her approval rating plummeting to single digits following a recent opinion poll. This decline comes in the wake of a diplomatic scandal that has rocked the thai political landscape.
According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) between June 19 and 25, only 9.2% of respondents expressed support for Ms. Shinawatra.This represents a dramatic decrease from the 30.9% who supported her in a similar poll conducted in March. The poll surveyed 2,500 Thais aged 18 and above nationwide.
Did You Know? The average approval rating for world leaders in developed nations hovers around 45%, highlighting the severity of Ms. Shinawatra’s current situation.
Leaked Phone Call Sparks Protests
The primary catalyst for this decline is a leaked phone call between Ms. Shinawatra and former Cambodian leader Hun Sen on June 15.Thousands of protesters gathered in Bangkok on June 28, demanding Ms.Shinawatra’s resignation, viewing the call as critical of the Thai army. The release of the call ignited public anger and fueled calls for her to step down.
Opposition Leader Gains Traction
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, has emerged as the preferred candidate for prime minister, garnering nearly 31.5% support, up from 25.8%. Supporters of Mr. Ruengpanyawut are advocating for a new generation of leadership characterized by honesty, openness, and innovative policies, according to Nida.
Pro Tip: Political analysts suggest that focusing on economic reforms and addressing public grievances could help regain lost support.
Approximately 19.9% of respondents indicated that they do not believe any current candidate is suitable for the position of prime minister.
Political Instability and Economic Woes
Ms. Shinawatra has resisted calls for her resignation despite the controversy. The fallout from the leaked call prompted a key coalition ally to defect, bringing her government to the brink of collapse in June. This political turmoil is compounding the challenges facing Thailand’s economy, which is already struggling with US tariff threats, a downturn in tourism, and a slump in consumption.
Among political parties, the People’s Party currently holds the highest approval rating at 46.1%, a significant increase from 37.1%. In contrast, Ms. Shinawatra’s Pheu Thai Party has seen its support decline to 11.5% from 28.1%, according to Nida.
Background of Ms. Shinawatra’s Premiership
Ms. Shinawatra assumed the role of prime minister in August 2024, following a parliamentary vote that occurred shortly after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed from office by the Constitutional Court due to an ethics violation case.
| Metric | Paetongtarn Shinawatra | natthaphong Ruengpanyawut | People’s Party | Pheu Thai Party |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Ministerial Support (June 2025) | 9.2% | 31.5% | N/A | N/A |
| Prime Ministerial Support (March 2025) | 30.9% | 25.8% | N/A | N/A |
| Party Approval Rating (June 2025) | N/A | N/A | 46.1% | 11.5% |
| Party Approval Rating (Previous) | N/A | N/A | 37.1% | 28.1% |
What measures do you think would be most effective in restoring public trust in the Thai government? How might this political instability impact Thailand’s long-term economic prospects?
Evergreen Insights: Background, Context, Past Trends
Thailand has experienced periods of political instability throughout its modern history, often marked by military coups and shifts in power. The Shinawatra family has been a prominent force in Thai politics for decades,with both Thaksin Shinawatra and his sister,Yingluck Shinawatra,having served as prime ministers before being ousted from power. This history of political upheaval underscores the challenges facing the current government and the need for stability to foster economic growth and maintain international relations.
FAQ
- Why is Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s approval rating declining?
- Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s popularity has decreased significantly following a diplomatic scandal involving a leaked phone call with former cambodian leader Hun Sen, which sparked criticism and protests.
- What were the key findings of the recent opinion poll regarding the Thai Prime Minister?
- According to a Nida poll conducted between June 19-25, only 9.2% of respondents support Paetongtarn Shinawatra as prime minister, a sharp decline from 30.9% in March. Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People’s Party, is now the preferred candidate with 31.5% support.
- What impact has the diplomatic scandal had on Thai politics?
- The controversy surrounding the leaked phone call led to a key coalition ally defecting, nearly causing the collapse of the Thai government in June. It has also fueled protests demanding Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s resignation.
- How is Thailand’s economy currently performing?
- Thailand’s economy, the third-largest in Southeast Asia, is facing challenges due to US tariff threats, a decline in tourism, and reduced consumer spending. The political turmoil is exacerbating these economic woes.
- Which political party currently holds the highest approval rating in Thailand?
- The People’s Party has the highest approval rating among political parties in Thailand, with 46.1% support, up from 37.1%.In contrast, the Pheu Thai Party, led by Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has seen its support drop to 11.5% from 28.1%.
- When did Paetongtarn Shinawatra become the Prime Minister of Thailand?
- paetongtarn Shinawatra assumed the role of Prime Minister in August 2024, following a parliamentary vote shortly after her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, was removed by the Constitutional Court due to an ethics violation case.
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