SURVEY: With the current government in Power are things getting better or worse?

[Shiver]

Well I go for worse.

Have found in Chiang Mai that Corruption has gone wild

I would say that the corruption has changed hands rather than gone away.

I did much prefer the Thailand of old. Even up to a couple of years ago (so not just related to Junta) things were a lot more "Mai Bpen Rai". Now I can't walk anywhere without running into police or army or both at the same time. It's nice to know that there are police are available (whole other topic there), but interference is annoying and intimidating.

[Prbkk]

Superficially things appear to be better at least in respect of violence. Unfortunately those with responsibility are either in a state of denial about the economy or clueless regards strategies to get it moving.

"Returning happiness to the people" has a very short shelf life/window of opportunity.

[nanoth]

Please remember when:

-people were fighting witn guns and pistols in the Streets of Bangkok;

-the airport was closed for many days....

No hesitation;things are getting much better....but anyrhing human is perfect...

[krdowney]

It's difficult to evaluate this politically because all sides (Military, UDD, Democrat, PDRC types, Ammat) are all out for their own gains. Despite the severe censorship, this aspect is a push. However the economic indicators are tanking, and the present government can't do much more than say "Things have gotten better." Not to mention that you can't bugger off the US and the EU entirely and expect to maintain stable growth by merely hitching your wagon to China. The economy is the real destabilizing factor. None of the other stakeholders will continue to even nominally buy-in to the military government if they all are losing money.

[727Sky]

People not being shot by different colored shirted snipers or bombs going off in Bangkok (can't count the south with the religion of peace unfortunately) however, the 5 Thai's I have asked since seeing this survey all have said it is better.. The common people live their lives inspite of the government in most cases. Same the world over unless you live in some garden spot like N. Korea etc etc.

Myself I don't like big strikes, airport shut downs, and people threatening your well being if you cross their picket line in any country.

The PM has a tough nut to crack.... myself... with all the problems the country faces today and in the future I do hope he (the PM) has it together and any grand plan will be for the benefit of all Thai's.

National security with China, USA, et al will present an increasing pressure for the government to pick and chose..

Tread carefully...

[Unwisemonkey]

Generally worse. It was a golden opportunity to prove all the naysayers wrong but there have simply been too many poor allocations of resources. With the military behind him it would have been nice instead of seeing soldiers patrolling the streets be engaged in civic projects e.g. removing the bird nests electrical wiring, fixing footpaths etc. Or at the very least leading chain gangs to do the civic repairs. The Teachers council shakeup and beach cleanups were nice, but bogarting every television channel even cable ones at 8:00 p.m. is like an infomercial... crap I don't want to buy.

[ikke]

Yeah...right!

We are not allowed to say what we think, but now: a survey!

Exactly : We would like to hear your opinion, but sorry, you can't say what you think .....

[retarius]

The PR is better. The General makes vague promises each week about exciting new crackdowns on this, that and the other....but sadly nothing changes.

[lovetotravel]

The PR is better. The General makes vague promises each week about exciting new crackdowns on this, that and the other....but sadly nothing changes.

Not so sure about that. I've never seen so much going on in my 12+ years here. When was the last time you saw the sidewalks on Sukhumvit mostly free of street vendors? Whether it sticks or not is the big question.

[jayboy]

I am really not wishing to weigh in on the pros or cons of the current situation, but I do have a few observations after having been here quite a number of years and having worked in the education field. My experience is limited to what might be called the middle class, but over the years, I've seen students (during the baht crisis of the late 90's) from the higher level on their way down the economic ladder and I've seen the upwardly mobile group.

The younger people have a very different perception of gov't than the older generation. The older generation held sacred some institutions, which the younger generation pay little heed to. They live in a world of facebook and other social media and they have access to information from outside of Thailand.

The current gov't, and to a large extent, former gov'ts, have held on to a largely mythological concept of Thailand and Thai people. It is not necessarily based in reality.

Are things better or worse? It's hard to say, but eventually the old will have to give way to the new.

These are wise words and shine light on a truth that has nothing directly to do with politics, namely the chasm which has emerged between old and young.I don't think this is just related to Thailand but as you say there are some particularly significant implications here.Having said that it's unlikely that there will be other than a rough road ahead for these adjustments can be difficult for a conservative traditional society like Thailand.My specific concern is not for Thailand's traditional institutions which will stand the test of time, but rather the emergence of ethnic conflict.One of the great achievements of the old order was to manage ethnic diversity.I hope whatever adjustments are made this inclusiveness ( ok sometimes more in theory than reality) will carry over.It's a noble ideal.

[Tonawatchee]

The wife and I have lived in Isaan for 5 years and things are about the same. Still waiting for some quality 220 vac electrical service (currently 160-200 vac, low voltage cooks the windings on the air conditioner compressor) and pot holes in the roads growing like tree rings, We realize monies allocated from the Bangkok government must pass down through many palms waiting to be greased before the 10% left over arrives to the village.

Edited June 1, 2015 by Tonawatchee

[MaeJoMTB]

After asking my wife,

She says the general population are finding life much harder under the Junta.

Debt rising, economy failing, restaurants and local businesses losing money. (maybe it's the general downturn of the global economy, but Prayut is getting the blame)

Under Thaksin everything was so much better and she and her pals can't wait for him to return and set everything right.

But she isn't a half Chinese hiso wealthy person like all the other forum members wives, but has finished high school.

(Along with all her pals, and they all start university in August, so will eventually be considered educated)

From what I can tell from interacting with local Thai people in Chiang Mai and the surrounding area, her opinions seem normal.

(I'm not isolated from the general Thai population by my wife and servants like so aging many expats)

[HappyinNE]

A vague question asked on a robustly moderated website in a country subject to heavy censorship is not going to reveal all that much, I would have thought...

I have to agree.The crazies are permitted unlimited scope to vent their bile.Those of us who are deeply troubled at the current catastrophic debacle are muzzled or constantly inhibited by the need for self censorship.It's not possible to have a rational discussion here.

Not true. Rational discussions are always welcomed, within the confines of the Thai law and our forum rules. Unfortunately, we have to deal with lots of irrational ones. Speak your opinion, but do it politely and be respectful of other members.

Considering some opinions of Thai law it is not possible to be completely open on all subjects. Many of these subjects could be rational discussions but they are not possible.

I believe that the continuation of the suppression of criticism will only increase the criticism when it is finally possible. Considering the thin skin of some in government it will get interesting quickly.

[Wombat6]

A year or so ago a large Chang in EURODINNER was 55B, it is now 85B I think, so definitely getting worse.

How silly to use one place that has increased its prices as an example.... Change your restaurant....there are still plenty of places for cheaper Beer( Chang doesn't qualify as a beer!!) ( know you are joking !!)

[tezzainoz]

This is not a government it is a self appointed military junta. who do not have a clue.

Oh my god

Are you saying that the PTP Party knew what they where doing ?

Oh sorry yes they did ……….

Rip off the people and get their master back

[LindaLovelace]

Yeah...right!

We are not allowed to say what we think, but now: a survey!

Exactly : We would like to hear your opinion, but sorry, you can't say what you think .....

And if you do say what you think, we'll snip you!

[asiamaster]

Given the censorship, it's impossible to believe the news, so who knows? The powers that be have a free hand to make up whatever they want the public to read, and filter out the rest.

That said, and from what reports I hear and read from the business world, the economy seems to be getting worse.

You cant believe the so called "free" press (mainstream media) either...

[Lung Mike]

On Koh Samui things are definitely much worse, especially since the beginning of May.

I have recently witnessed more tea-money and blatant extortion demands by various government employees, for higher amounts than in the past.

Most government agencies have become almost unworkable for foreigners because they block nearly everything as soon as a foreigner is involved, even when everything is perfectly legal.

Most businesses on the island are obviously suffering and many are closing down.

In Chaweng I see mostly Chinese tourists who contribute absolutely nothing to the local economy because everything they do is pre-booked, pre-paid and managed by other Chinese.

The last Bangkok Airways flight that I took was half empty, which is very telling.

I hope that I am wrong but I fear that this is only the beginning of the downwards spiral.

[quandow]

If you voted worse, you will be contacted by a junta representative for an "attitude adjustment."

There, NOW it's better . . .

[h90]

It seems to be getting better??? But is it just a case of smoke & mirrors???

They will never stop corruption its too deep in society, in fact its ramped in every family.

I was living in the Philippines when Marcos got kicked out and they all thought that corruption would stop. The only thing that happened was the price of corruption doubled.

Thank you Scott, its a good topic.

But what else than trying can you do?

[alfredmarks50]

lots of improvement desperately needed good start hold your breath , at least 25 years to go before perfect

[sawadee1947]

I voted worse , could be viewed as slightly hypocritical as Myself and my families life has not changed for the worse . I think every day you have imposed military rule is bad day , The prospect of your kids 14 and 12 at the moment,growing up in a country where they are going to be indoctrinated, have no real democratic choice , cannot speak their mind (I know many of us do , probably too far at times) But the kids are Thai they wont have that option when they are older. I think the referendum is a very bad idea , its just another hurdle to get over. They should be talking to the hierarchy of the major Parties for the new constitution but they have cut PTPs head off. So now referendum will in my opinion just be voted on party lines , We see how popular the Junta is when we see junta sponsored opinion poles . I'm not sure that will be reflected once people can really have their say and vote

I agree 100%. As long we have two "divided" parts of Thailand (north and south) and no end in sight of understanding, tolerance and respect, there will be no improvement. And as you said there has to be freedom of speech as well.

[EnglishJohn]

Why is it Thai people are unable to think beyond the end of this week ?.

The current situation is largely irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. It will be gone in a year or so. Right now we have a bunch of unqualified ministers doing jobs they have no real clue about just because the PM trusts them not to sabotage the bigger plan. Considering this, things could be a lot worse.

The big question is about what comes next : whether effective reforms can be implemented to remove much of the corruption in Thai politics, or whether the snakes will use their cunning to circumvent the rules and take things back where they were.

[ExPratt]

Going by the vote it looks like the "Hasn't really changed much "(Liberals) will form a coalition with the "Its all turned to crap"(Staunch Militant Socialists). The "Situation improving because of the PM and Junta" (ISIS) will be in opposition

[toybits]

How can you vote when people's opinion is being stifled? What use is this poll going to have then? People have been locked up for expressing their personal opinion so why take the risk?

[wowfactor10]

Mmmm This poll it has a fishy smell expect some vote buying has occurred...

[Waldkater41]

Well guys...be honest.

What do you really know whats going on? The only information you get is controlled by the Junta, no free speech or press.

Do you really think Thailand needs a Highspeed Train right now? Have you seen the roads outside of Bangkok?

Or the farmers( sorry I know you buy your rice Tesco) they should produce cheaper...lots of them already plant it by hand. Great idea!

Whats about alternative energy sources? Coal energy plants he not wants, to expencieve to buy and install the proper facilities to keep emissions low, no solar panels before somebody shows him how to recycle them.

He wants proper English education at his schools. How? I think you guys know that Nobody in this country ever failed one year at school! Why? Everybody passes in Thailand.

And what do they pay foreign teachers at government schools? So much that they mostly get backpackers from Khaosan Rd. to teach their children.

Thats only a few examples how things getting better.

And now the big question: Who profits of all this most???

[mike324]

I voted worse , could be viewed as slightly hypocritical as Myself and my families life has not changed for the worse . I think every day you have imposed military rule is bad day , The prospect of your kids 14 and 12 at the moment,growing up in a country where they are going to be indoctrinated, have no real democratic choice , cannot speak their mind (I know many of us do , probably too far at times) But the kids are Thai they wont have that option when they are older. I think the referendum is a very bad idea , its just another hurdle to get over. They should be talking to the hierarchy of the major Parties for the new constitution but they have cut PTPs head off. So now referendum will in my opinion just be voted on party lines , We see how popular the Junta is when we see junta sponsored opinion poles . I'm not sure that will be reflected once people can really have their say and vote

Even under previous governments, your kids would have grown up in a country where they are indoctrinated and have no democratic choice. As you know, the education system here is terrible. Thailand has huge issues with being truly democratic. That is directed towards both parties. And Thailand hasn't had freedom of speech for a long time.

Spot on about the major political parties getting involved. Unfortunately, they are too entrenched in their ways and won't compromise. Which is a major pillar of democracy. Compromise and respect for the minority. Something we don't have here. Nor do many other democratic nations around the world. It's winner take all. PTPs head got cut off due to their own actions. Easy for them to step across the divide and meet with the opposition. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

As for the poll, things are worse with regards to freedom of speech (which doesn't really effect me at all), but better in terms of no more dangerous protests. The economy is in shatters, but that's a worldwide problem at the moment.

Spot on! The things getting worse don't really apply to any of us. Some people's brains seems to think its end of the world with a General running the country. Whats making the buggiest difference is law enforcement, and that is probably the most important thing for a brighter future.

[mike324]

Well guys...be honest.

What do you really know whats going on? The only information you get is controlled by the Junta, no free speech or press.

Do you really think Thailand needs a Highspeed Train right now? Have you seen the roads outside of Bangkok?

Or the farmers( sorry I know you buy your rice Tesco) they should produce cheaper...lots of them already plant it by hand. Great idea!

Whats about alternative energy sources? Coal energy plants he not wants, to expencieve to buy and install the proper facilities to keep emissions low, no solar panels before somebody shows him how to recycle them.

He wants proper English education at his schools. How? I think you guys know that Nobody in this country ever failed one year at school! Why? Everybody passes in Thailand.

And what do they pay foreign teachers at government schools? So much that they mostly get backpackers from Khaosan Rd. to teach their children.

Thats only a few examples how things getting better.

And now the big question: Who profits of all this most???

Many of the problems you listed did not start from the Junta.

Freedom of speech is less, I'll give that to you. The General is making a wrong move by curbing freedom of speech.

Highspeed Train - Bullet Train was proposed by the PTP, I don't think you complained about it back then. Although a Bullet Train that goes 300km/hr is not needed, a high speed train (200km/hr) is urgently needed to update the train infrastructure. It will greatly improve efficiency in regards to transportation and businesses wise.

Farmers - I won't even comment on it, its been the same same for the past decades.

Education - Again is the same same, and the party that introduce the "no one ever fails" was a democratically elected one. Perhaps the Junta should strip that out so students will actually study more.

Who profits from all of this, every single minister and civil workers from the past decade, so its hardly a Junta issue. People just like to sweep the blame to one side for alll the past problems. If you look at who was in office for the better part of the past decade (TRT and PTP), the majority of the blame should be on their shoulders.

[somo]

The economy is worse for sure and a lot of that is down to having a military dictatorship in place.

Freedom of speech has been abolished but then that never really existed.

A new constitution limiting the power of voters is being dished up but that has been tried before.

Vengeful prosecutions are damaging the credibility of the justice system but it never had much anyway.

The corrupt insisting they are stamping out corruption.

All about normal I would say.