MOST PEOPLE in Bangkok intend to elect an independent candidate for Bangkok governor with former governor Chadchart Sittipunt still in the lead but those who remain undecided could change the result of the gubernatorial and city council election taking place on June 28, according to the latest KPI Poll, PPTVHD36 said this evening (June 5).
This opinion poll, held during May 22-25 among 1,600 respondents aged 18 and over in Bangkok, shows that 61.8% would vote for an independent candidate not affiliated with any political party; 12.5% are unsure/undecided; 12.0% would vote for a candidate affiliated with any political party; 11.7% would opt for a candidate affiliated with an opposition party; and 2.0% would choose a candidate affiliated with the ruling party
This trend of prioritising “a candidate’s independence” over party affiliation reflects expectations for the Bangkok governor, as a city administrator, to be flexible, neutral, and focused on solving urban problems based on efficiency rather than party politics. At the same time, the undecided group remains a significant variable that could change the election outcome.
Different districts, different directions
Mid-zone districts support “independent candidates,” outer-zone districts lean towards the opposition, while inner districts remain open to different choices. The top three trends in voting for Bangkok governor candidates are as follows:
– Inner districts: 26.8% are unsure/undecided (highest percentage); followed by 23.3% who intend to vote for an independent candidate; while 22.0% are inclined to vote for a candidate affiliated with opposition parties.
– Mid-zone districts: 29.3% will most likely vote for an independent candidate not affiliated with any political party; followed by 25.9% who are inclined to vote for a candidate affiliated with opposition parties; and 20.8% who are unsure/undecided.
– Outer-zone districts: 27.2% will most likely to vote for a candidate affiliated with opposition parties; followed by a similar number at 26.8% who are unsure/undecided; and 16.6% likely to vote for a candidate from any political party.
The political geography of Bangkok varies across zones, reflecting differing expectations and decision-making bases. Therefore, communication strategies and policies tailored to the context of each area are crucial for candidates.
Chadchart still leads in all zones
While Chadchart is still ahead in all zones, the number of people still hesitating remains high leaving room for the election outcome to change.
The percentage of respondents supporting Chadchart is roughly equal in mid and inner zones, at 32.1% and 31.5% respectively, while in outer zone it is 30.3%, but hesitation remains high, leaving room for the election equation to change.
The next highest percentage across all districts is “unsure/undecided” – inner zone: 27.3%; outer zone: 27.2%; and mid-zone: 18.7%.
The third highest percentage in the outer zone (16.9%) and mid-zone (16.3%) goes to Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, aka Joe, (People’s Party), while Pol. Gen. Charntep Seesawed (Economic Party) takes this spot in the inner zone (9.8%).
This reflects that although Chadchart still leads in all districts of Bangkok, the “unsure/undecided” group remains high in every area, making them a significant variable that could change the direction of race. Furthermore, some candidates have area-specific voter bases that should be monitored.
Therefore, it remains a battleground where vying for “hesitant votes” and canvassing in “strategic areas” is more important than relying solely on existing popularity.
Bangkok city council voter base is fragmented
While Chadchart leads in several voter groups, the core People’s support base is leaning towards Chaiwat.
In comparing the trends with the previous 2022 gubernatorial and city council election Chadchart received highest scores in several groups, particularly those who previously voted for Pheu Thai Party (41.6%), Democrat Party (31.9%), and other parties/groups (48.8%).
Meanwhile, those who previously voted for the Move Forward Party tend to favour Chaiwat (38.3%) more than Chatchart (22.6%). However, some groups in the “unsure/undecided” category hold considerable weight.
As Chadchart leads in many groups, this shows cross-political acceptance and reflects that the Bangkok gubernatorial election is more driven by “individual” decisions than affiliation to a political party.
Those who previously voted for a certain party would not necessarily vote for this party’s gubernatorial candidate. However, the undecided group still constitutes a significant proportion within certain voter bases, making this a crucial variable.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – Former Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt canvassing for votes in Bangkok. Photos – Naewna
First insert – People’s candidate in the Bangkok gubernatorial election Chaiwat Sathawornwichit. Photo – Facebook
Third insert – Pol. Gen. Charntep Seesawed from the Economic Party. Photo – MNG Online
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