Thailand Polls Put Reformist Natthaphong Ahead of February Election

Thailand’s reformist politician Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut has emerged as the leading contender ahead of the Thailand general election 2026, according to recent Thai opinion polls, positioning his People’s Party Thailand as a central force in the country’s next political chapter.

A poll released on January 30 by Suan Dusit University showed Natthaphong receiving about 35% support, well ahead of rivals from more established parties. Yoshanan Wongsawat of the Pheu Thai Party followed with roughly 21.5%, while Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of the Bhumjaithai Party trailed at about 16.1%.

A separate survey by the National Institute of Development Administration produced similar rankings, reinforcing Natthaphong’s lead less than two weeks before the February 8 election Thailand.

• Natthaphong leads Thailand polls ahead of February 2026 election
• Reformist People’s Party tops surveys as Thai vote nears
• Thailand election polls signal shift toward reformist politics

Natthaphong leads the People’s Party Thailand, which was formed after the Move Forward Party dissolution, the reformist group that won the most seats in the 2023 election but was prevented from forming a government. Many of its proposals, including changes to laws seen as limiting political expression and curbing military influence, were opposed by conservative institutions. The party has retained much of the same voter base, particularly younger and urban voters pushing for Thai political reform.

The election was called in December following months of parliamentary deadlock, bringing an abrupt end to a fragile governing arrangement. The campaign has also unfolded against a tense regional backdrop, including recent border incidents with Cambodia that have fuelled nationalist rhetoric and sharpened debate over security and governance, reshaping the Thailand political landscape.

Despite Natthaphong’s polling advantage as a reformist leader Thailand, analysts caution that the country’s electoral system makes a Thai coalition government unavoidable. No party is expected to win an outright majority, and post-election negotiations are likely to be complex, with conservative blocs retaining significant influence in the upper house.

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With polls indicating strong voter engagement and clear divisions over reform priorities, the February vote is expected to play a decisive role in determining Thailand’s political direction in the coming years.