Dusit Poll Highlights Thai Political Pessimism as Govt's Rating Plummets

[webfact]

 

In a recent survey conducted by Dusit Poll, over 1,140 Thai citizens revealed a growing interest in political affairs, albeit for troubling reasons. Conducted amidst the controversial dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the survey captures a country steeped in political pessimism and dissatisfaction with its current government.

 

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin finds himself at the centre of discontent. A significant 64% of respondents expressed limited confidence in his administration. More than half (55%) even called for a Cabinet reshuffle, underscoring a pervasive sense of frustration.

 

The survey also revealed that 43% of Thais are now following political news more closely, drawn primarily by the Move Forward Party's recent troubles. This heightened interest, however, does not translate to optimism: 67% of those polled believe the political landscape will deterioratem reported Thai PBS

.

The timing of the survey, aligning with the Constitutional Court's ruling on the Move Forward dissolution, likely amplified these sentiments. Pollsters noted that while such interest is understandable, it also highlights a deeper, more worrying trend of political pessimism among the Thai population.

 

A significant contributing factor to this disillusionment is the current government’s poor public perception. Analysts from Dusit Poll suggest that a more popular administration might have been better positioned to buffer the negative impact of recent political events.

 

The distressing findings come just a day before Move Forward's rebranding announcement. Now set to be called "People," the new name aims to reflect the party’s continued commitment to the public. Supporters argue that the essence of the party remains unchanged, despite this nominal shift.

 

Critics, however, argue that governmental critiques and rebrands alone won't reverse creeping despair.

 

Renaming schemes, particularly ones as generic as "People," are unlikely to reinvigorate public interest or trust without substantial policy shifts. Historical patterns in politics, including "People's Power" in Thailand and "People Power" in South Korea, reflect a universally exhausted nomenclature.

 

With political names saturated in symbolism and historical usage, it remains to be seen whether a fresh name will bring about any tangible change in public sentiment. The current atmosphere remains precariously pessimistic, suggesting that deeper reforms may be needed to restore faith in Thailand's political future.

 

Srettha giving an interview. File photo source: Wikipedia

 

-- 2024-08-12

 

- Cigna offers a variety of health insurance plans designed to meet the minimum requirement for medical treatment coverage, with benefits reaching up to THB 3 million. These plans are tailored to provide comprehensive healthcare solutions for expatriates, ensuring peace of mind and access to quality medical services. To explore the full range of Cigna's expat health insurance options and find a plan that suits your needs, click here for more information.

 

Get our Daily Newsletter - Click HERE to subscribe

[retarius]

Srettha is a dud. The CC is not working for the benefit of the country.

[ikke1959]

Nothing is working in this country it seems.. The Government fails because they achieve nothing except for the Thaksin family, The gay Marriage law is still not signed and published although promised this year it would be possible, but it impossible already. The country will get economic troubles because of the 10k wallet scheme and with people who chase MP's and parties it will be very difficult to speak about a democracy... It seems Thailand is getting back further and further instead on moving on....Everybody I speak is complaining and that are all normal Thai people

[Tropicalevo]

19 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Nothing is working in this country it seems.. The Government fails because they achieve nothing except for the Thaksin family,

 

I think that you flatter Thaksin too much. He is only one small (but influential) part of the government.

The problem with the government is not him, it is control of the masses.

They do not want people thinking for themselves and hoping for a better life.

This, and previous governments, want the people to do as they are told.

The people did not choose this or any military government, so they are not there for the people.

That leaves them free to bleed the country dry and for the money to go into the same pockets that pay for the governments to stay in power.

They have rigged the laws to gaol or neuter any real threats.

They have convinced people, that thanks to the government, this is as good as it gets and any failings are down to outside influences.

[spidermike007]

Prices are up, inflation continues its march, and income for many Thais who are not successful entrepreneurs, or government workers, is down. Tourism numbers are up, but will not recover anytime soon, in terms of real income or profits for the industry. The quality of tourists continues to drop, the average spend is down, and occupancy rates are low. In addition, exports are down, and we have not even seen a real recession hit yet overseas. Nor has the market correction come yet. So, there are still alot of headwind that Thailand faces. 

 

Srettha has a litany of unfulfilled promises and is the do nothing, unelected PM. He represents many things that are wrong with Thailand. Of course the people are concerned. 

 

No progress on joining the OECD. 

 

No Schengen visa-free deal. 

 

No real progress on a trade deal with the European Union. 

 

And major pushback on his government’s “digital wallet” and “Land Bridge” schemes.

 

“BRICS is thus played to domestic audiences as a deliverable achievement. 

 

Thailand ranks 131st in freedom of speech

127th in freedom of assembly

114th in governance

136th in institutional trust 102nd in executive constraints

84th in contract enforcement

84th in adult skills

116th in vehicle emissions

118th in the protection of forests, land and soil

and 82nd in restrictions on international investment, according to the The 2023 Legatum Prosperity Index. 

 

https://docs.prosperity.com/3716/7689/5368/Thailand_2023_Picountryprofile.pdf

 

 

[daveAustin]

Of course people are pessimistic. They did not vote for this government or its fake pm and have seen their party of choice trounced in a kangaroo court. Third world politics. 

[hotchilli]

23 hours ago, webfact said:

In a recent survey conducted by Dusit Poll, over 1,140 Thai citizens revealed a growing interest in political affairs, albeit for troubling reasons. Conducted amidst the controversial dissolution of the Move Forward Party, the survey captures a country steeped in political pessimism and dissatisfaction with its current government.

It's been like that for decades... regardless of leader.

The only party's that could make a change have been ousted.. 

[hotchilli]

22 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Everybody I speak is complaining and that are all normal Thai people

One day the "people" will realise they have to rise up and do something if they want change...

getting shafted at every turn and putting up with it never changes anything.

[Denim]

One thing looks likely. Thaksin or not , the Phua Thai party will continue its slide downwards and is unlikely to recover from getting into bed with the military parties.

[nobodysfriend]

23 hours ago, webfact said:

A significant 64% of respondents expressed limited confidence

 

23 hours ago, webfact said:

Critics, however, argue that governmental critiques and rebrands alone won't reverse creeping despair.

 

It is not difficult to make the thai electorate happy ...

Just respect the basic democratic rules , like the outcome of elections , without dissolving the winning party because the present corrupt government hates reforms .

Thai people I speak to , all do not like the government and the one who is above the laws .

Radical change is desperately needed , but , if the ruling elite smells this coming , it will be met with desperate measures , like another coup .

Not a free country , no free speech allowed , all designed by the few in power who try to keep their positions by all means , but civil discontent is growing steadily ... but resignation and fear are still holding Thailand back from radical change .

I wish all the best to the new people's party , they will win the 2027 elections ... but a coup will certainly follow ... Thai leaders have a lot of experience doing that .

Change is needed , but it will not happen ... peacefully .

In Thailand , just like in a south american banana republic , or Burma , the one who controls the army , has the ultimate say ...

If PP ( Peoples Party ) wins , they need to do all what is possible to get control over the army .

Without announcing it first ...

[Srikcir]

23 hours ago, webfact said:

it remains to be seen whether a fresh name will bring about any tangible change in public sentiment.

Didn't that change already occur with MFP's landslide election in the 2023 election?

The hope for the Thai People's sovereignty over the nation as guaranteed by successive constitutions was almost realized. The crushing reality of political manipulation by a historical minority opposition once again to deny that sovereignty will set an impetus for that hope to strengthen in further majority opposition on a broader political stage.

To that end a "fresh name" is unnecessary. The transformation is likely to be more direct physical confrontation.

[retarius]

47 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

One day the "people" will realise they have to rise up and do something if they want change...

getting shafted at every turn and putting up with it never changes anything.

I sincerely hope I will be dead by the time this 'rise up' happens. It will be a blood bath. 

[watchcat]

36 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

One day the "people" will realise they have to rise up and do something if they want change...

getting shafted at every turn and putting up with it never changes anything.

 

They probably would have done it already unless they'll been slapped with 112

 

[hotchilli]

21 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

They probably would have done it already unless they'll been slapped with 112

 

Not if they show up in the city in their thousands...

[JimHuaHin]

42 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Not if they show up in the city in their thousands...

"thousands"???

 

Millions as in 1973, and then there will be change.

 

The people have had enough!!!

 

Even senior Thai government officials and military officers I know want change, and want change now.  It remains to be seem how soon and to what magnitude even these people will be willing to act to bring about change.

[zyphodb]

7 hours ago, JimHuaHin said:

"thousands"???

 

Millions as in 1973, and then there will be change.

 

The people have had enough!!!

 

Even senior Thai government officials and military officers I know want change, and want change now.  It remains to be seem how soon and to what magnitude even these people will be willing to act to bring about change.

 

 

Agreed, millions. Any less...