Dusit Poll releases results of Bangkok gubernatorial poll: "Chatchart" takes first place, significantly ahead of other political parties.

A Suan Dusit Poll survey indicates that Bangkok residents generally value "performance and individual personalities" more than making decisions based on party ideology. The survey reveals that party popularity doesn't automatically translate into candidate votes, signaling a warning to major political groups. The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) seats are a key variable, as independent candidates have overtaken incumbent candidates to claim the highest popularity at 35.39%.

June 14, 2569 – Dr. Pornphan Buathong, Chair of Suan Dusit Poll, Suan Dusit University, released a report on the results of a public opinion survey of eligible voters in Bangkok on the topic of “The 18th Bangkok Governor Election (3rd Survey).” The survey, conducted between June 9-12, 2569, with a sample size of 2,029 people through both online and field methods, analyzed the direction and trends of political decision-making behavior among consumers and Bangkok residents. The findings indicated that the majority of popularity remains tied to independent candidates.

Based on the analysis of data regarding the candidates for Bangkok governor that Bangkok residents want to be the next governor, it was found that:

• Coming in first place is Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt (independent candidate), who received the highest popularity rating with 60.08%.
• Second place goes to Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit (People's Party), who received 13.17%.
• Third place: Mallika (Independent), 7.39%.
• Ranked 4th is Anucha (Democrat Party) with 3.89%.
• Rank 5, Khomsan (Independent), 1.28%.
• Rank 6: M.L. Korakasivath (Independent), 1.09%
• While 1.03 percent indicated that they chose "other options."
• And the remaining 12.07 percent are undecided.

Regarding the Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMA) elections, the survey indicates that:

The survey group indicated that they intended to vote for independent candidates as the most popular choice, at 35.39%, followed by the People's Party at 28.88%, the Pheu Thai Party at 10.55%, the Democrat Party at 9.96%, the Bhumjaithai Party at 1.58%, other candidates at 1.12%, and 12.52% who had not yet decided.

Dr. Pornphan Buathong, Chair of Suan Dusit Poll, analyzed the trends from the past three consecutive data collections regarding the behavior of the voter base in a straightforward manner.

"The results of the past three polls reflect that Bangkok residents still prioritize individuals. The traditional voter base of the Move Forward Party and a portion of the People's Party have not yet completely shifted their support to Joe-Chaiwat, reflecting that the popularity of the party has not automatically translated into the popularity of the candidate. Acceptance of the candidate remains a crucial factor in the voting decisions of Bangkok residents."

Scanning cross-pollinated voter bases: Voting behavior based on performance results.

A deeper analysis of those who voted in the Bangkok gubernatorial election on May 22, 2565, reveals interesting patterns of voter shift. Among those who previously voted for Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, 73.72% confirmed they would continue to vote for him, while 10.32% switched to Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit. Similarly, among those who previously voted for Mr. Viroj Lakkhanaadisorn, 44.12% switched to Mr. Chaiwat Sathavorawichit, while a significant 24.12% turned to Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt.

This aligns with the voting behavior of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) councilors when compared to the voter base of Members of Parliament (MPs) in the general election on February 8, 2569. It was found that only 52.88% of those who previously voted for MPs from the People's Party intended to vote for their own party's BMA councilors, while 33.90% decided to vote for independent candidates instead. Similarly, 41.09% of those who previously voted for MPs from the Pheu Thai Party indicated they would vote for Pheu Thai councilors, and 32.73% would vote for independent candidates. Likewise, for the Democrat Party, 54.67% of their traditional voter base would vote for their own BMA councilors, and 28.89% would vote for independent candidates.

Dr. Ngamprawan Aesomnuk, Dean of the School of Law and Politics, Suan Dusit University , described the political and behavioral dimensions of change in voters in the capital city as follows :

“The survey reflects that Bangkokians clearly still prioritize ‘performance and individual candidates’ over party politics… More interesting than the numbers themselves is the shift in the political voter base, which reflects a trend towards ‘performance-based politics’ rather than solely adhering to ideology or political parties. Voters from diverse political groups remain willing to support candidates who can demonstrate tangible results.”

Warning signs in a political brand: Quality leadership over emotional appeal.

Although the People's Party has been able to maintain its strength as an alternative force for urban dwellers, especially among young people and those who want to see structural change, the continued high popularity of independent candidates at both the Bangkok gubernatorial and Bangkok City Council levels is becoming a significant challenge for other political parties.

Dr. Ngamprawan Aesomnuk concluded her in-depth analysis by highlighting the decision-making mechanisms of the public that will impact the overall political landscape in the near future.

"The continued high popularity of independent candidates at both the gubernatorial and Bangkok City Council levels reflects a signal from Bangkok residents that the quality of leadership and problem-solving abilities outweigh the brand of a political party. From a political science perspective, this poll indicates that Bangkok politics is moving towards an era where citizens judge politicians based on tangible results rather than emotional popularity, which may be a significant direction for the future behavior of Thai voters."

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