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Published on November 23, 2007

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva is in the lead for the position of prime minister, winning the backing of 46 per cent of those polled. PPP leader Samak Sundaravej trailed far behind with 23 per cent. Banharn Silapa-archa of Chart Thai received 6 per cent and Suwit Khunkitti of Puea Pandin got 3 per cent.

Chettha Thanajaro of Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana got 2 per cent, slightly more than Prachai Leophairatana of Matchima Thipataya and Snoh Thienthong of Pracharaj, both getting 1 per cent each.

Some 14 per cent of those polled wereundecided on who should be the next prime minister and 3.5 per cent chose leaders of small parties.

The opinion survey had 1,507 respondents in 16 selected provinces, representing eight proportionate zones, from November 16 to 19, after the completion of candidacy registration.

An overwhelming majority, 96 per cent, are aware of December 23 as the voting day, and 92 per cent plan to cast their ballots.

About 51 per cent have already picked their favourite candidates.

The factors influencing voter judgement included campaign policies (30 per cent), individual candidates (23 per cent), party leaders (17 per cent) and party record (17 per cent).

Some 58 per cent said they would vote for candidates from the same party for the direct voting.

For the party-lists, the Democrat and the PPP are top two favourites with a combined 67 per cent. About 13.5 per cent remain undecided.

Other major parties have marginal support - Chart Thai (7 per cent), Puea Pandin (3 per cent), Matchima Thipataya (2 per cent), Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana (1 per cent) and Pracharaj (0.9 per cent). Small parties have attracted about 3.5 per cent.

 The Nation