As the government led by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul approaches the end of its first year following the February 8, 2026, general election, it faces a complex matrix of domestic and international pressures, according to Bangkok Biz News. While the Bhumjaithai Party secured nearly 200 seats in a wave of nationalist voter support during the election, recent public opinion data shows a significant drop in popularity for both the party and its leader amidst mounting political and economic challenges.
How Have Approval Ratings Shifted?
The Bhumjaithai Party's national popularity rose from 8.2 percent in the first quarter and 10.24 percent in the second quarter to 19.8 percent in the third quarter. However, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul saw his personal approval rating drop significantly from 29.4 percent in the first quarter and 21.68 in the second quarter down to 13.76 percent by the third quarter.
Concurrently, Yossanan Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and prime ministerial candidate for the Pheu Thai Party—which holds 74 seats as the junior coalition partner—recorded approval ratings of 8.08 percent in the first quarter, 11.64 percent in the second quarter, and a steady 11.28 percent in the third quarter, placing him fourth in the poll Bangkok Biz News.
What Domestic Challenges Face the Administration?
The administration confronts multiple domestic pressure points, ranging from street protests to economic hardship and legislative scrutiny. Protesters led by Kamnan Mano arrived at Government House to camp overnight before marching to the Ministry of Energy to protest high energy prices and the cost of living, as reported by Thaipost and Head Topics. Prime Minister Anutin adopted a soft-touch approach, instructing officials to engage with protest leaders without confrontation.
Economic discontent over high living costs poses a sensitive long-term risk for the Bhumjaithai Party ahead of future elections, though fiscal constraints limit the government’s ability to spend freely Head Topics. To steady the economy, the administration has empowered Ekniti Nitithanprapas as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to attract capital and manage reforms without internal friction, while Anutin also defended Commerce Minister Supajee Sutumpun against removal rumors Thaipost.
Additionally, an upcoming no-confidence debate scheduled for early December presents a political test, though analysts note it will likely serve to expose government discrepancies rather than force a regime change Thaipost. Addressing lawmakers’ reliance on voting numbers, Prime Minister Anutin stated:
If you think about votes first, the government itself uses results to answer the people's questions, not votes. If you have votes and answer and it's no good, even if it passes, there is still suspicion from the people.
How Has Bhumjaithai Managed Parliamentary Control?
Unlike past dominant parties such as Thai RakTid under the 1997 Constitution, which amassed supermajorities and absolute legislative control, the Bhumjaithai Party operates under the 2006 Constitution with roughly 192 seats, according to SPACEBAR•.
Rather than pursuing a parliamentary landslide, the party utilizes a “system hacking” strategy by controlling key strategic positions, including the Senate, the presidency of the House of Representatives held by Sophan Sarum, and the amendment of committee regulations to restrict the opposition’s ability to unilaterally summon witnesses or documents SPACEBAR•.
What International Pressures Complicate Governance?
Beyond domestic hurdles, the administration faces complex foreign policy and environmental demands. Deputy Prime Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, who oversees security and serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, must navigate great power competition involving the United States, China, and Europe, alongside regional vulnerabilities in the South China Sea and geopolitical fallout from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Strait of Hormuz Head Topics.
Locally, Sihasak’s team also addresses cross-border environmental issues, including industrial chemical influxes from foreign investment and heavy metal pollution in northern waterways originating from neighboring mineral mines Head Topics.