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Published on November 15, 2007

The Democrat Party is more popular among Bangkok voters than the People Power Party (PPP) six weeks before the general election, a Ramkhamhaeng University survey showed yesterday.

Ramkhamhaeng poll illustrated

The Democrats' constituent MP candidates were ahead of their PPP rivals in 11 of 12 Bangkok constituencies.

Among 1,555 samples of Bangkok voters, the Democrats, led by Abhisit Vejjajiva, was the most popular of the six political parties running for party-list MPs in Zone 6, which consists of Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.

Nearly 48 per cent of the respondents opted for the Democrats, while just over 20 per cent went for the PPP, led by Samak Sundaravej.

Third most popular was Chart Thai, led by Banharn Silapa-archa, with 4.9 per cent, followed by Matchima Thipataya with 4.6 per cent, Puea Pandin with 3.4 per cent, and Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana with 3.4 per cent.

The Democrats received more than 50 per cent support in three constituencies: 58 per cent in Constituency 3, 53 per cent in Constituency 7 and 55 per cent in Constituency 9.

Constituency 3 includes Din Daeng, Huai Khwang, Wang Thong Lang and Lat Phrao districts. Constituency 7 includes Bang Kapi, Saphan Sung, Min Buri and Lat Krabang districts. Constituency 9 includes Thon Buri, Klong San, Bangkok Yai and Chom Thong districts.

Meanwhile, Constituency 5, consisting of Bang Khen, Sai Mai and Don Muang districts, was where Democrat were least popular, with only 30 per cent support. And they received 32 per cent in Constituency 6, which includes Nong Chok, Klong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yow and Bueng Kum.

People Power was most popular in Constituency 4 - Bang Sue, Laksi, Chatuchak and Phya Thai - with 30 per cent popularity.  The party was least popular in Constituency 9, where its support was put at 17 per cent.

For constituent MP candidates, the Democrats were ahead of PPP candidates in all but one constituency - number five, where PPP scored 33 per cent against the Democrats' 30 per cent.

But People Power was very close to the Democrats in two other seats. In Constituency 4, PPP candidates gained 31 per cent while the Democrats received 39 per cent. And in Constituency 6, the Democrats' contenders scored 35 per cent while PPP received 27 per cent.

Constituency 3 was where Democrat candidates were most popular, backed by 58 per cent. 

In Constituency 7, Democrat candidates, such as Samran Rodpetch, Nattaya Benchasiriwan and Prapan Koonmee, received 54 per cent support.

People Power candidates scored best in Constituency 5 at 33 per cent.

In Constituency 4, People Power candidates were backed by 31 per cent of respondents. 

More than 10 per cent of respondents in each constituency said they cared about the "money" they would earn by exercising their right to vote.

More than 77 per cent said they would vote on December 23, but 14 per cent were not sure if they would bother, and the rest (9 per cent) said they wouldn't vote.

Over 77 per cent said they gave priority to parties' policies when deciding who they would vote for. And just under two thirds (64.7 per cent) looked for a policy of national reconciliation.

More than 60 per cent said they care if candidates have "clean backgrounds", and 53.5 per cent would consider party leaders before making voting decisions.

This Ramkhamhaeng poll was held on Monday and Tuesday (Nov 12 to 13) in cooperation with Mcot and Nation Group.

 The Nation