Leader of Bhumjai Thai Party Anutin Charnvirakul, center, poses after lawmakers voted to select him as new prime minister, at the Parliament in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

 

In a recent surge of public sentiment, a majority of Thais are calling for the swift dissolution of parliament, going against the four-month timeline outlined in a political agreement. This sentiment was captured in a poll by the National Institute of Development Administration (Nida), which surveyed 1,310 people across the nation earlier this month.

 

The poll reveals that 59.24% of respondents want parliament dissolved as soon as possible, a clear indication of the public's impatience with the current political climate. In contrast, 27.17% support the existing timetable, while a smaller fraction would like to wait until 2027. A scant few fall in between, preferring a dissolution timeframe ranging from six months to a year or expressing indecision.

 

Central to this urgency is a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) involving prime minister-designate Anutin Charnvirakul and the People’s Party. This agreement necessitates the dissolution within four months to facilitate a general election and a referendum on constitutional amendments.

 

On the topic of constitutional reform, opinion is somewhat divided. While 37.56% strongly support changes, 21.76% are somewhat supportive, yet 28.17% are opposed. Notably, among those favouring changes, a significant 74.39% advocate for piecemeal amendments over a comprehensive rewrite, indicating a cautious approach to reform.

 

The conversation around constitutional change underscores a critical narrative: Thais are open to progress, but prefer measured steps rather than sweeping overhauls. An opinion survey highlights that while some lean towards a full rewrite, the majority’s preference is distinctly for gradual reform.

 

Complementing Nida’s findings, a separate survey by Suan Dusit Poll, involving 1,191 respondents, echoes the urgency for parliamentary dissolution. A substantial 76.66% support a dissolution within the four-month window envisaged by the MOA, indicating widespread agreement across different groups.

 

In light of these revelations, Thais have voiced their top priorities for the incoming prime minister. A glaring 68.26% urge him to address pressing economic issues, reflecting the public’s primary concerns over rising living costs. The country’s 32nd prime minister faces significant expectations, with a moderate 56.09% expressing confidence in his problem-solving abilities.

 

This reflects a populace eager for tangible improvements in their daily lives, underscoring the economic struggles felt by many. The expectation is clear—economic revival is at the forefront of national concerns.

 

The voices captured in these surveys offer a comprehensive picture of current Thai sentiment: a blend of impatience with the political status quo and a pragmatic approach to constitutional reform. The public's call for swift action is a message of urgency aimed directly at the corridors of power. As the nation waits for decisive action from its leadership, these findings provide critical insight into the public's priorities and the political landscape's direction.

 

In this delicate balancing act, the government must navigate immediate reforms while addressing the public’s most pressing concerns, providing both economic relief and political stability. As discussions continue, these insights may well shape the future course of Thai politics.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-09-08

 

 

1310 polled out of some 68 Million (lets say 40 million legitimate voters), that is 17 per province = BS. What sort of poll was that? AND after 25 years I really don't care what they do politically, life here is a damn site better than my home country.

1 hour ago, bdenner said:

1310 polled out of some 68 Million (lets say 40 million legitimate voters), that is 17 per province = BS. What sort of poll was that? AND after 25 years I really don't care what they do politically, life here is a damn site better than my home country.

Don't sweat that's a very standard sample size for polls

 

No way on God's green earth is Anutin going to give up what he has now.

 

If there is a GE in the next four months I'll take off all the morons on my ignore list for a month.

I  support this. The PM was convicted after suspension, it means in fact that the cabinet should be dissolved and new elections must take place. Not like this another crook with promises to dissolve it in 4months. What is the reason to rule for 4 months? Yes i know nobody needs to explain

14 hours ago, Will B Good said:

 

No way on God's green earth is Anutin going to give up what he has now.

 

If there is a GE in the next four months I'll take off all the morons on my ignore list for a month.

If there is an election soon, maybe the outcome will be the same... Peoples Party and Bhumjaithai party will make a coalition.

Thus beating all other parties....

PTP has lost a lot of voters.

Pretty hard to get them to give up power once they get it, especially unearned power.

But it doesnt matter what they do with a senate that owes nothing to the people but to their masters it wont change.

13 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I  support this. The PM was convicted after suspension, it means in fact that the cabinet should be dissolved and new elections must take place. Not like this another crook with promises to dissolve it in 4months. What is the reason to rule for 4 months? Yes i know nobody needs to explain

I see a coup on the rise 

 was a deal not done that elections have to take place within 4 months 

What would be the point of holding an election under the current Constitution? Anutin's boys in the Senate would ensure he wins.

1 hour ago, crazykopite said:

 was a deal not done that elections have to take place within 4 months 

He could be in for 9 months, dont ask me how it works, but it is 4 months + 5 months

1 hour ago, Purdey said:

What would be the point of holding an election under the current Constitution? Anutin's boys in the Senate would ensure he wins.

Under the current constitution as of 2024 the senate does not vote for the prime minister 

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

In a recent surge of public sentiment, a majority of Thais are calling for the swift dissolution of parliament,

No one took a blind bit of notice how they voted, so I don't suppose anyone will listen to this!

 

The old school are back in charge, they're staying!

Since when has the old guard involved in Thai politics ever listened to the “people”?

Anutin has had wet dreams about him having this position and he isn’t gonna give it up quickly. Many of my Thai friends don’t expect him to honor his agreement for an election within four months. As a royalist he’d expect some interference from them in the process to ensure a delay.