Voter Interest in Ruling Bhumjaithai Party Wanes Amid Economic Hardship and Scandals

Support for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has seen a sharp decline three months into the administration, raising concerns about the government's ability to maintain public confidence. Economic hardship, revisions to welfare policies, and a series of scandals appear to be alienating the party's traditional base, casting a shadow over its governance. According to the latest Nida Poll, People's Party leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut remains the most preferred political figure with 26% support, followed by Prime Minister Anutin at 21.6%. However, both figures have seen their support wane from the previous quarter, with Mr Anutin's decline being particularly notable. The BJT party's own popularity has also dropped significantly from 26.6% to 17%, indicating dissatisfaction extends beyond the prime minister's personal standing. Asst Prof Suvicha Pouaree, director of Nida Poll, linked the decline to dissatisfaction over revised eligibility requirements for the state welfare card scheme, which resulted in many former recipients losing access to benefits. This has particularly impacted lower-income groups earning less than 10,000 baht per month. He noted that economic hardship and disappointment over delayed relief measures are more important to voters than many of the controversies dominating headlines. In contrast, the coalition-leading Pheu Thai Party has seen its support edge higher despite limited policy achievements, a success attributed to its avoidance of major scandals and sustained engagement with local communities through regular field visits. While economic concerns are likely the primary driver of declining support, the government's opening months have been marked by a series of controversies, including corruption allegations in local government recruitment, organized crime concerns in Phuket, the Khao Kradong land dispute, the TH-AI Passport issue, and allegations related to the Senate. The corruption scandal in the local government recruitment examination, falling under the Interior Ministry overseen by Mr Anutin, has been particularly damaging for the party. Stithorn Thananithichot of Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Political Science described the government's overall performance as "plain" rather than disastrous, noting a lack of significant achievements. Longer-term projects like semiconductor industry development remain too distant for many voters to feel direct benefits, while economic initiatives such as Thai Chuay Thai Plus have lost some initial momentum. "When there is no positive highlight, the spotlight naturally falls on negative issues," he stated. Despite falling popularity, the coalition government is not expected to face an immediate threat to its parliamentary majority, as opposition parties remain divided and unable to mount a unified challenge. However, internal pressure is mounting within the BJT, with Mr Anutin recently warning underperforming ministers, whom he labelled "forgotten ministers," to produce results and communicate their work more effectively. Assoc Prof Pornchai Theppanya, former dean of Ramkhamhaeng University's Faculty of Political Science, attributed the government's early difficulties to two interconnected problems: the absence of major achievements and a growing list of controversies. September is anticipated to be a crucial political turning point, with the announcement of the new state welfare card beneficiary list providing an indication of whether dissatisfaction among lower-income voters can be reversed. Attention is also focused on the relationship between the BJT and Pheu Thai. While the coalition has maintained a functional partnership, intensified competition for similar voter groups could strain relations. For now, however, the coalition is expected to remain intact, as all parties understand the benefits of maintaining government stability. Source: Bangkok Post