AN OPINION Poll conducted by Super Poll Research Centre shows that the majority of the respondents, almost three-quarters at 74.2%, expect or at least believe there will be political changes after the festival is over with this reflecting a lack of confidence in the stability of the current government, Naewna newspaper said.
Assistant Professor Dr. Noppadol Kannika, director of this research centre, said Songkran Festival is considered to be an important time for Thai society as people tend to spend more time on following news about the country, with political issues being closely watched as well as pressures from the society in various dimensions.
The research centre therefore conducted this opinion poll during Apr. 10-14 reaching 1,102 respondents from all professions nationwide.
That a high majority of 74.2% expect or believe that political changes will occur after this festival, with 25.8% confident there would not be a disruption, shows a sense of “uncertainty” over the political atmosphere.
With respondents allowed to select more than one cause for expected political changes, a breakdown shows 36.9% thought conflict within the government, especially coalition parties, will be the trigger.
Next expected cause selected by 30.6% was instigation close to the leader.
This was followed by 27.8% pointing to social media trends which is a new phenomenon influencing public perception.
In addition, 20.5% cited economic issues and 14.9% public dissatisfaction with government policies.
When asked what political changes were expected, 38.4% pointed to a cabinet reshuffle while 37.6% foresee a rift in the coalition government which are forms of change that do not involve dissolving the parliament or holding new elections, but rather reflect “dissatisfaction with the administration” and a desire to solve immediate problems.
Meanwhile 32.1% believe there will be political rallies while 27.5% expect the parliament to be dissolved, indicating the possibility that the situation would develop into a “change in the national structure” if the government could not effectively deal with the pressure.
At the same time, the 25.6% who stated “no change” were a minority reflecting that the majority shared feelings about the current political fragility.
The Super Poll director said the results of the survey reflected an atmosphere of political distrust which is latent in Thai society.
The majority believe that the government may face pressure from both within the coalition government and other strong forces.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and some ministers making the mini-heart gesture during a group photo of the cabinet at Government House on Sep. 7, 2024. Photo: INN News
Insert: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra celebrating Songkran in Chiang Mai. Photo: Thai Rath
Front Page: De facto Pheu Thai boss Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter/Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra together with her husband Pitaka Suksawat and two children at Wat Umong Maha Thera Chan in Chiang Mai for Songkarn prayers. Photos: Thai Rath
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