Anutin's Popularity Plunges Amid Thailand's Rising Oil Prices

The Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's popularity has taken a significant hit, according to recent polls. Only 13.8% of respondents backed him as prime minister in September, compared to 21.7% in June.

The decline comes as the government faces rising oil prices and a court ruling that may threaten its hold on power. The government has extended cost-of-living assistance introduced after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices above US$100 a barrel.

Anutin's government is set to face its biggest political test yet on Monday, when the Constitutional Court rules on a challenge to the validity of the February election that brought Bhumjaithai to power. The case centers on allegations that codes printed on ballot papers could have compromised voting secrecy.