Democrats 'to win 240 House seats' : Thai PM

The estimate is based on "scientific analysis, not wishful thinking", he said at a seminar held yesterday by the King Prajadhipok's Institute.

Mr Abhisit said the popularity of his party in the Northeast, the largest electoral region, has risen from 7% when he took the helm of the Democrats in 2005 to over 20% in the last election in 2007.

He added that his party hoped to see a significant improvement in its popularity given the results of past by-elections in the region.

Several government policies which benefit the people have been introduced so the party's popularity is likely to increase, he claimed.

"Only 20% popularity in the northeastern region is not enough for us to win the election," conceded Mr Abhisit.

The Democrats have lost in only one constituency in the recent by-elections, he added.