(Photo: Nutthawat Wichienbut)The Bhumjaithai Party (BJT) has stepped up nationalist messaging in the final stretch of the election campaign, as a series of opinion polls show a tightening race and shifting voter sentiment over leadership and party strength. Compared with Nida Poll's first-round survey earlier this month, Mr Natthaphong's support increased, while Mr Anutin's rose slightly. Preferences for both constituency and party-list votes showed a similar pattern, with the PP leading, followed by Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai and the Democrats. Under this scenario, Bhumjaithai would be well placed to lead coalition talks, most likely with Pheu Thai and the Klatham Party, or alternatively with Pheu Thai and the Democrats. A PP-led coalition would require an alliance with Pheu Thai and the Democrats.
