Swing voters poised to decide Feb 8 poll

As the country edges closer to the new election, the public mood appears markedly different from last time, with a large proportion of eligible voters saying they remain undecided about which party to support.

- Chairith Yonpiam

This file photo from Wednesday shows election banners on a street in Bangkok.

(PATTARAPONG CHATPATTARASILL)

The 40.60% undecided voter figure reported last month by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida) was unprecedented in the history of opinion surveys.

The swing vote — particularly in Bangkok, where it hit a record 47.35% — will be a decisive factor in determining victory for both the People's Party (PP) and Bhumjaithai (BJT).

The poll suggests the PP — the 2021 survey winner — still leads, albeit by a much narrower margin.

This contrasts with the previous election, when approval ratings for the party, then known as the Move Forward Party (MFP) under Pita Limjaroenrat, were strong.

The situation is challenging for the PP, as undecided voters largely comprise those with no clear political affiliation and who are neither strongly leftnor right-leaning. Many appear weary of prolonged conflict and political polarisation.

It is almost certain that Abhisit Vejjajiva’s return to politics will affect the PP, which arguably benefited in the 2023 election when some Democrat supporters shifted their backing out of disappointment with then-party leader Jurin Laksanavisit.