Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is considered the most influential person in Thai politics, surpassing even Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Pita Limjaroenrat, advisor to Move Forward party leader, according to a survey by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
The NIDA poll gathered the opinions of 1,310 Thais who are over 18 years old from 27th to 29th February.
When asked who they believe holds the most influence in Thai politics, 42.90% of the respondents named Thaksin, 21.91% chose Srettha, 17% selected Pita, 15.11% named former prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, 9.01% mentioned Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and 6.11% opted for General Prawit Wongsuwan, leader of the Palang Pracharath party. 10.15% stated that nobody is deserving.
When questioned about which politician deserves the most sympathy, 46.79% named Pita, followed by former Future Forward party leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, Srettha, Prayut, and Thaksin.
