Bangkok: Associate Professor Dr. Suwicha Paowaree, Director of NIDA Poll, has indicated that the 2026 election lacks a game-changing party strategy. According to his analysis on the "Share the News" program on MCOT NEWS FM 100.5, no political party has crafted an innovative strategy comparable to those seen in the 2023 election. All parties are continuing with similar tactics, aiming to win over votes from parties with overlapping target demographics, a process referred to as "snatching the cake." This approach stems from the fact that the undecided voter percentage stands at only 8%, insufficient for securing a decisive victory.
According to Thai News Agency, in a detailed examination of party strategies, the Bhumjaithai Party has utilized the slogan "If you don't vote for us, they will" to draw support from the Democrat Party's voter base in the South. The Pheu Thai Party's campaign includes a cash handout of 9 million baht, but it has not achieved the same level of popularity as their previous policy of distributing 10,000 baht. The People's Party remains focused on its traditional student and laborer base, with figures like Pita Limjaroenrat and Rakchanok Srinok playing crucial roles in enhancing its appeal.
The Democrat Party has experienced increased support since Abhisit Vejjajiva returned to the campaign trail, and it is projected to win around 20 seats in the South, positioning it as a potential key player in forming a government. Conversely, the Palang Pracharath Party has seen a 1% drop in popularity following General Prawit Wongsuwan's resignation. The Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party is anticipated to gain approximately 2 seats via the party-list system, while the Prachachart Party expects to win 5 seats in the South.
Associate Professor Dr. Suwicha further analyzed potential government formations, suggesting that a coalition between the blue, orange, and light blue parties is improbable. He also noted that a joint opposition formed by the Democrat Party and the People's Party could become a significant adversary, leveraging their expertise in social and parliamentary maneuvering. The final official NIDA poll results, expected before the February 8th election, will be made public on January 30th.