A NATIONWIDE political survey by Suan Dusit University showed that respondents rated the overall Thai political index for April at an average 3.79 points, down from 3.89 in March, Naewna newspaper said today (May 3).
Under this opinion poll, conducted both online and in the field during April 27-30 among a sample of 2,214 respondents, the opposition got the highest score averaging 4.31 points while the lowest score was for solution to drug problems and influential figures, averaging 3.22 points.
The most prominent government politician was Prime Minister/Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who was supported by 39.07% of the respondents, followed by Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation/de facto Pheu Thai boss/inmate Thaksin Shinawatra’s nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat who got 28.22%. Among the opposition, the most prominent was Democrat Party MP/leader Abhisit Vejjajiva with 27.82%, followed by People’s MP Rukchanok Srinork 23.25%.
A total of 49.82% of the respondents want the government to address economic hardship and reduce the cost of living while 44.37% want the opposition to scrutinise government on corruption and budget spending.
Dr. Pornphan Buathong, chair of Suan Dusit Poll, said the declining political index across all indicators shows that the public is not concerned about specific issues, but rather views the overall picture of politics, national administration, the economy, and quality of life in the same direction – lacking clear results.
In particular, scores on the economy and livelihood remain low. Public sentiment reflects a desire for the government to urgently address the cost of living and improve people’s lives. The government’s major challenge is not just announcing policies, but making people feel that their lives are genuinely improving.
Asst. Prof. Kanyakan Sathiensukon, assistant dean for international relations, School of Law and Politics, Suan Dusit University, said over the past two months, public confidence in the government’s performance has continuously declined.
Analysis reveals that external factors, such as the conflict in the Middle East, significantly influence public perception, especially the impact on energy prices, directly affecting electricity, oil, and commodity prices, which have increased while income and wages have not kept pace.
Dissatisfaction is not focused on external factors but rather on the government’s effectiveness in mitigating the impact. This external crisis therefore serves as a “test” of the government’s capabilities, whether in controlling commodity prices, implementing announced policies, or developing proactive measures.
If the government responds slowly, unclearly, or lacks transparency, it will only exacerbate existing problems, such as economic issues, national administration, and concerns about corruption.
The Middle East crisis has thus become another drag, widening the “gap in expectations” between the government and the people, leading to a decline in confidence in several areas. These factors reflect that current political confidence in Thailand depends on the government’s ability to transform external crises into opportunities for effective and accountable internal management to restore public trust.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page – A graphic image on an opinion poll by Tumisu from Pixabay
First insert – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Photo – Amarin TV
Second insert -Democrat Party MP/ leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. Photo – Naewna
Third insert – Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation/de facto Pheu Thai boss/inmate Thaksin Shinawatra’s nephew Yodchanan Wongsawat. Photo – Amarin TV
Fourth insert – People’s MP Rukchanok Srinok. Photo – PPTVHD36
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