Dark horse, deep state in upcoming polls

The national election may be 20 days away, yet political analysts are already reading the tea leaves.

- Nattaya Chetchotiros

Prime ministerial candidate Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party woos voters as he campaigns in Bangkok. The former prime minister is seeing his popularity improve.

(DEMOCRAT PARTY)

Surprisingly, their predictions point in the same direction — the next coalition could be a surprising mix of the Bhumjaithai Party (BJT), Pheu Thai and — hold your breath — the Democrat Party.

The Democrat Party is predicted to bea “dark horse” in the upcoming Feb 8 national election. Anutin Charnvirakul has a wish to bring the Democrats into the new coalition — despite this running counter to the BJT’s original game plan, which set Capt Thamanat Prompow’s Klatham Party as a coalition member.

Mr Anutin prefers the Democrats and former prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to help erase the image of a “grey government’, The Democrat Party's image — coupled with its veteran politicians — would be a plus for a BJT-led government. Yet, this scenario will come true only if the Democrats tie up with Klatham in the election. When push comes to shove, Mr Anutin is expected to announce that the new government will not have any “grey elements’, and then the Democrats will be invited to join.

Such predictions run counter to opinion polls. In all surveys, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut — leader of the People’s Party (PP) — is the most preferred choice for prime minister. Similarly, these polls also put the PP as the most popular political party.