Suan Dusit Poll Reveals April 2026 Thai Political Index: Anutin Stands Out Among Government Politicians, Abhisit Among Opposition
A monthly political survey shows Thailand's government confidence declining to 3.79 points in April, with opposition rated higher at 4.31 points, as the public demands urgent solutions to rising costs of living and economic hardship.
On May 3, 2026, Suan Dusit Poll at Suan Dusit University surveyed 2,214 respondents nationwide between April 27-30 regarding the "April 2026 Thai Political Index." The overall political index score averaged 3.79 points, down from March's 3.89 points.
The opposition's performance received the highest rating at 4.31 points, while addressing drug trafficking and influential figures scored the lowest at 3.22 points.
Among government politicians, Anutin Charnvirakul emerged as most prominent at 39.07 percent, followed by Yossakorn Wongsuwan at 28.22 percent. Opposition standouts were Abhisit Vejjajiva at 27.82 percent and Ratchanok Srinork at 23.25 percent.
When asked what they wanted to tell the government, 49.82 percent called for solving cost-of-living issues and reducing financial burdens. For the opposition, 44.37 percent requested investigating government corruption and budget misuse.
Dr. Pornprom Buathong, Suan Dusit Poll director, noted that declining index scores across all measures indicate public concern extends beyond single issues to overall governance, economy, and quality of life. The public perceives insufficient tangible results, particularly on economic and cost-of-living fronts.
Assoc. Prof. Kannika Satheansathien, assistant dean for international affairs at Suan Dusit University's Law and Politics School, explained that public confidence in government performance has steadily declined over two months. External factors, particularly Middle East tensions affecting energy prices and consequently electricity, fuel, and commodity costs, significantly impact public perception. As wages and income haven't increased proportionally, dissatisfaction has shifted from blaming external factors to questioning government effectiveness in mitigating impacts. This crisis serves as a "test" of government capability—in price control, policy implementation, and proactive measures. Delayed, unclear, or non-transparent responses reinforce existing concerns about economic management, governance, and corruption. The Middle East crisis thus widens the "expectation gap" between state and citizens, reducing confidence across multiple dimensions. Current Thai political confidence ultimately depends on government's ability to convert external crisis into opportunities for efficient and accountable domestic management to restore public trust.
