Nida Poll: most people disagree with protests against government and NCPO

[northernjohn]

This majority does not suit the agenda of some so like all the other majorities that went against the agenda pre coup this majority is to be denounced and excuses made to disrespect them by engineering stories that belong in the fiction section of the local book store.

No wonder the majority doesn't back these certain irrelevant groups like they used too. They are sick of only being respected when they tow a certain party line.

Seem to recall that not long before the latest and 19th coup that the majority that I think you refer to prevented an election being held. If there is a majority, why can't be tested with a ballot box???

It can and will when things are put in place to make it honest.

[AYJAYDEE]

This majority does not suit the agenda of some so like all the other majorities that went against the agenda pre coup this majority is to be denounced and excuses made to disrespect them by engineering stories that belong in the fiction section of the local book store.

No wonder the majority doesn't back these certain irrelevant groups like they used too. They are sick of only being respected when they tow a certain party line.

Seem to recall that not long before the latest and 19th coup that the majority that I think you refer to prevented an election being held. If there is a majority, why can't be tested with a ballot box???

It can and will when things are put in place to make it honest.

lol!! with appointed senators?

[northernjohn]

'But Thaksin...' in 5..4..3..2..

You do not seem to understand democracy, Jamie, and thank you for your good wishes.

Yet I stated I respect all election results no matter who won the election. What is there not to understand?

It is how the winner abuses democracy after the election that is the issue I am perplexed with.

I will leave that thought with you my friend as your rebuttal indicated this thread could go on for days with no outcome due to you not grasping what I am talking about.

Have a lovely Sunday and if you watching the Tennis...Go Federer!

So with the utmost respect, is there a reply?

I am intrigued as to what the reply will be when I said I respect election results?

What kind of election results. Ones where the minority wins ones that are honest or maybe the ones Thailand has been using where you get paid money for your vote?

[AYJAYDEE]

'But Thaksin...' in 5..4..3..2..

You do not seem to understand democracy, Jamie, and thank you for your good wishes.

Yet I stated I respect all election results no matter who won the election. What is there not to understand?

It is how the winner abuses democracy after the election that is the issue I am perplexed with.

I will leave that thought with you my friend as your rebuttal indicated this thread could go on for days with no outcome due to you not grasping what I am talking about.

Have a lovely Sunday and if you watching the Tennis...Go Federer!

So with the utmost respect, is there a reply?

I am intrigued as to what the reply will be when I said I respect election results?

What kind of election results. Ones where the minority wins ones that are honest or maybe the ones Thailand has been using where you get paid money for your vote?

all parties paid money to try and get votes . people accepted money from both main parties and then voted for who they preferred. you obviously were not present to see it in action

[473geo]

Well to be honest with you there is a lot of truth in what you say. How ever it is obvious that you are unfamiliar with the average Thai. they for the most part are quite happy with the situation as it is. They would like to see some different things but none of them worth mentioning or shall we say pushing to the point where the government has to stop working to fix the problem and go back to just defending it.

You seem to be highly educated which can be a real barricade to thinking or on the other hand a big help to it.

Do you think that constantly having to defend every thing instead of just being allowed to move on towards fixing the whole problem is a good idea? When they have it all together then come out with it to the public with a vote on it. You know as well as I do (I hope you do) that to make an omelet you have to break some eggs.

Hopefully not mine but if so that is OK I am more interested in the Nations future than the little bit of harm they can do me. I have grand children here and I want them to have better than what Thailand has had in the past. The one thing the government or any thing else can not change is the weather pattern changing.

That is going to hurt a lot of people in the years to come. Hopefully there will be some relief from the harm it does to people. If not this government then the next one. It is not going to be easy and as the PM says it is more than likely going to take 20 years to bring unity to the country and that is going to be a big part of it.

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would probably seek further explanation regarding the current allocation with regard to effective internal spend vs external and the associated benefits

However as there is no recourse other than allowing the current administration to continue, one could expect a poll to be indicative of the circumstance

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would never read it. There, FIFY (fixed it for you), LoL

I won't go into the government spending that the Yingluck Thaksin government went to such great lengths to keep from the 'average Thai'. Even the G to G rice deals were a 'State secret'; they wouldn't/couldn't even say which countries were involved. Don't look now, but your bias is showing. 555

Your post makes it clear you don't know average people anywhere. 'Average' Americans wouldn't bother to read such a document either.

You're upset because Thai people don't agree with your 'bring Thaksin back' agenda (don't deny, I've followed you posts).

.

You need to brush up your comprehension skills as I have always held the belief there would be no return for Thaksin.

I can accept too, almost all the Thai I know, are kind, thoughtful, special, intelligent people, and your opinion of the average Thai may differ from mine

[nolabuff]

LOL. I see you guys have stopped claiming people give the desired answers because they are scared of being arrested.

Now you move on to a different excuse to try and rubbish the poll.

Did you ever think the poll might be right and it's you who has the problem ?.

Of course it's right silly. It was done in the capital and businessmen are not stupid farmers.

From the OP: Nida Poll conducted an opinion poll on the subject of “political activism” on 1,257 respondents of various professions from throughout the country

Either your reading comprehension skills are limited or you are a propagandist. I think it is the latter. Why do you refer to farmers as stupid without putting a /sarc tag on that rude comment. BTW, EnglishJohn makes thoughtful posts, unlike yourself, and he is in no way 'silly'.

.

You actually just pointed out the very line that makes this poll unreliable from a political polling perspective. You could get a reliable number for all of Thailand by taking a random sample (sometimes known as probability sampling) of roughly 1,200 people. That's not what it says though, various professions does not mean that the entire population had a non-zero chance of being selected for the poll. As is the case with most of these polls, there is usually one line (various professions, community leaders, etc.) that makes it meaningless.

[rametindallas]

LOL. I see you guys have stopped claiming people give the desired answers because they are scared of being arrested.

Now you move on to a different excuse to try and rubbish the poll.

Did you ever think the poll might be right and it's you who has the problem ?.

Of course it's right silly. It was done in the capital and businessmen are not stupid farmers.

From the OP: Nida Poll conducted an opinion poll on the subject of “political activism” on 1,257 respondents of various professions from throughout the country

Either your reading comprehension skills are limited or you are a propagandist. I think it is the latter. Why do you refer to farmers as stupid without putting a /sarc tag on that rude comment. BTW, EnglishJohn makes thoughtful posts, unlike yourself, and he is in no way 'silly'.

.

You actually just pointed out the very line that makes this poll unreliable from a political polling perspective. You could get a reliable number for all of Thailand by taking a random sample (sometimes known as probability sampling) of roughly 1,200 people. That's not what it says though, various professions does not mean that the entire population had a non-zero chance of being selected for the poll. As is the case with most of these polls, there is usually one line (various professions, community leaders, etc.) that makes it meaningless.

I was responding to the claim by oldsailor35 that said the poll was taken of businessmen and done in the capital.

I'm sorry my answer to him didn't also answer your post but now that you bring it up, it seems that when Thaksinistas don't like the poll results, the denigrate the poll itself. 1,257 respondents will give a result accurate to plus or minus 3% but I know you don't want to believe that. Up to you.

Since you don't like Nida polls, which polls, not election polls, do you trust? Probably none since they have all consistently shown the populace believes the Junta is doing a good job.

.

[candide]

LOL. I see you guys have stopped claiming people give the desired answers because they are scared of being arrested.

Now you move on to a different excuse to try and rubbish the poll.

Did you ever think the poll might be right and it's you who has the problem ?.

Thank you for reminding us about this additional argument!

The context: students arrested for peacefully protesting, rumours spread by the government that they have been manipulated by political forces aiming at creating chaos and violence (possibly foreign interests), a father testifying that his son has been brainwashed by an ill-intentioned foreign organisation, etc....

Now let's imagine your are an "average" Thai: your phone rings, and someone asks you if you support protesters....

No more comment needed!

Additionally this survey contradicts the basic rules of questionaire design, which is particularly to avoid asking biased questions (the way the question is phrased may influence the answer) or unrealistic questions.

Example of biased question (quoted from OP):

- "members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" (note that it is exactly the argument used by the NCPO)

Example of unrealistic question (idem):

- "opponents of the government or NCPO should resort to legal channel to air their opposing views"

What are those legal channels? Television? The judicial, conferences on freedom of speech, write to your MP?

Obviously some people think that this poll is valid because it has 1257 respondents in the whole country.

It doesn't change the fact that the context is not neutral and that questions are biased or unrealistic.

Edited July 12, 2015 by candide

[phoenixdoglover]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Edited July 13, 2015 by phoenixdoglover

[ramrod711]

1275 out of 65,000,000 I guess that is a good example. Right?

Why do I have the impression that, had the poll results supported the protests, you would find the poll to be representative. See! See! I told you, Thaksin is the only person who can run the country would have been your mantra. Like it or not, this is what we have, and we have it because of the way the previous governments ruled.

[Rykbanlor]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

[tx22cb]

Most people as the poll shows support to peace that the current government has achieved. And, how in reality has your frredom been impared?

Just out of curiosity. How was your freedom impaired by the previous government?

During Yingluck's tenure, my freedom was most impaired by months of noisy street closures by Suthep and the Monk.

[lildragon]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Most of the junta fan boys I know in person here in bkk are told by Their wives to like them. So, so spineless.

[h90]

1275 out of 65,000,000 I guess that is a good example. Right?

yes 400-500 people are already a good sample for a poll

[glenmohr]

This majority does not suit the agenda of some so like all the other majorities that went against the agenda pre coup this majority is to be denounced and excuses made to disrespect them by engineering stories that belong in the fiction section of the local book store.

No wonder the majority doesn't back these certain irrelevant groups like they used too. They are sick of only being respected when they tow a certain party line.

" Go Federer" There you go again Jamie trying to throw me off balance, you know full well that I am Djokovic fan. But that does not make me better than you, only luckier than you.

I sincerely hope the general in bangkok will reconsider and allow us all to back the tennis player of our choice.

[candide]

1275 out of 65,000,000 I guess that is a good example. Right?

yes 400-500 people are already a good sample for a poll

Didn't you read previous posts? The problem is not the sample size, but the way the survey bas been designed.

[northernjohn]

You do not seem to understand democracy, Jamie, and thank you for your good wishes.

Yet I stated I respect all election results no matter who won the election. What is there not to understand?

It is how the winner abuses democracy after the election that is the issue I am perplexed with.

I will leave that thought with you my friend as your rebuttal indicated this thread could go on for days with no outcome due to you not grasping what I am talking about.

Have a lovely Sunday and if you watching the Tennis...Go Federer!

So with the utmost respect, is there a reply?

I am intrigued as to what the reply will be when I said I respect election results?

What kind of election results. Ones where the minority wins ones that are honest or maybe the ones Thailand has been using where you get paid money for your vote?

all parties paid money to try and get votes . people accepted money from both main parties and then voted for who they preferred. you obviously were not present to see it in action

That is what I said pay attention Thailand has been using where you get paid money for your vote?

[northernjohn]

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would probably seek further explanation regarding the current allocation with regard to effective internal spend vs external and the associated benefits

However as there is no recourse other than allowing the current administration to continue, one could expect a poll to be indicative of the circumstance

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would never read it. There, FIFY (fixed it for you), LoL

I won't go into the government spending that the Yingluck Thaksin government went to such great lengths to keep from the 'average Thai'. Even the G to G rice deals were a 'State secret'; they wouldn't/couldn't even say which countries were involved. Don't look now, but your bias is showing. 555

Your post makes it clear you don't know average people anywhere. 'Average' Americans wouldn't bother to read such a document either.

You're upset because Thai people don't agree with your 'bring Thaksin back' agenda (don't deny, I've followed you posts).

.

You need to brush up your comprehension skills as I have always held the belief there would be no return for Thaksin.

I can accept too, almost all the Thai I know, are kind, thoughtful, special, intelligent people, and your opinion of the average Thai may differ from mine

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would probably seek further explanation regarding the current allocation with regard to effective internal spend vs external and the associated benefits

The average Thai would not be able to understand it.

[northernjohn]

Of course it's right silly. It was done in the capital and businessmen are not stupid farmers.

From the OP: Nida Poll conducted an opinion poll on the subject of “political activism” on 1,257 respondents of various professions from throughout the country

Either your reading comprehension skills are limited or you are a propagandist. I think it is the latter. Why do you refer to farmers as stupid without putting a /sarc tag on that rude comment. BTW, EnglishJohn makes thoughtful posts, unlike yourself, and he is in no way 'silly'.

.

You actually just pointed out the very line that makes this poll unreliable from a political polling perspective. You could get a reliable number for all of Thailand by taking a random sample (sometimes known as probability sampling) of roughly 1,200 people. That's not what it says though, various professions does not mean that the entire population had a non-zero chance of being selected for the poll. As is the case with most of these polls, there is usually one line (various professions, community leaders, etc.) that makes it meaningless.

I was responding to the claim by oldsailor35 that said the poll was taken of businessmen and done in the capital.

I'm sorry my answer to him didn't also answer your post but now that you bring it up, it seems that when Thaksinistas don't like the poll results, the denigrate the poll itself. 1,257 respondents will give a result accurate to plus or minus 3% but I know you don't want to believe that. Up to you.

Since you don't like Nida polls, which polls, not election polls, do you trust? Probably none since they have all consistently shown the populace believes the Junta is doing a good job.

.

I wouldn't trust them if they showed the Junta was doing a bad job either.

Thailand the hub of what do you want the results to be we al ready have it on file.

[JAG]

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would probably seek further explanation regarding the current allocation with regard to effective internal spend vs external and the associated benefits

However as there is no recourse other than allowing the current administration to continue, one could expect a poll to be indicative of the circumstance

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would never read it. There, FIFY (fixed it for you), LoL

I won't go into the government spending that the Yingluck Thaksin government went to such great lengths to keep from the 'average Thai'. Even the G to G rice deals were a 'State secret'; they wouldn't/couldn't even say which countries were involved. Don't look now, but your bias is showing. 555

Your post makes it clear you don't know average people anywhere. 'Average' Americans wouldn't bother to read such a document either.

You're upset because Thai people don't agree with your 'bring Thaksin back' agenda (don't deny, I've followed you posts).

.

You need to brush up your comprehension skills as I have always held the belief there would be no return for Thaksin.

I can accept too, almost all the Thai I know, are kind, thoughtful, special, intelligent people, and your opinion of the average Thai may differ from mine

The average Thai provided with the full unabridged version of government spending would probably seek further explanation regarding the current allocation with regard to effective internal spend vs external and the associated benefits

The average Thai would not be able to understand it.

Well neither would I. Nor if I may hazard a guess, would the vast majority on this forum !

[northernjohn]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Are you new to Thailand?

and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

[robblok]

Most of the junta fan boys I know in person here in bkk are told by Their wives to like them. So, so spineless.

Actually I always thought the exact opposite that the anti junta fanboys were told by their Isarn wives how bad the government was.

Goes 2 ways.. nobody tells me what to think.

Give me the junta any day over the corrupt bunch in the last government.

YL amnesty for 26.000 corruption cases and all things she did herself (would have saved Boonsong from the fake G2G deals)

Current government is going after all corruption never seen it in the news so much.

Its all what you like and not like. Not saying that Prayut is perfect. I think its a grumpy guy who needs a good PR guy and I rather not have him in power too long.

[Neurath]

Ahhh I was wondering when the propaganda poll would show up. Seems it's a bit late

What was holding you back from starting your own poll?

Other than fear and the law of gravity.

Don't get me wrong I am highly distrustful of these small time polls but it seems to me the anti government people should take up there own poll's. Also when ever a poll is published publish the name or organization that paid for it.

I was wondering about this bit

6.28 percent support protests because of the suppression of civil liberties.

Does that mean they support the uncontrolled mass rallies where people were easy targets to kill. Also the traffic control problems that were incurred by them? We won't even go into the lack of any effort at controlling corruption.

Doing that would be way too scary. A poll showing incorrect findings could well be interpreted as a criminal attempt at destabilizing the government and the State and the rightful balance of nature. Would be necessary to prosecute the purveyors of such a poll with the full force of the law.

[Rykbanlor]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Are you new to Thailand?

and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

No I'm not new. I have lived here for 15 years and taught Englsih for the first 11 of those in the Thai education system. It is not getting any better under the present government, it hasn't changed a jot since I have been here. In fact the Juntas recent introduction of 12 core principles for students to strive to, featuring a video that displays a boy painting nazi symbolism while his friend applauds him suggests they are actually regressing. It doesn't matter how many of them admit it needs overhauling. Every change they have made has been pointless and the old system is still entrenched. Shuffling bureaucrats around and continuously appointing new Education ministers does not equate to an overhaul or improvement.

Are you new here?

[Thai at Heart]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Are you new to Thailand?

and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

Education is getting better under the present government? I think that deserves a poll in itself.

[lildragon]

I'm not the world's expert on opinion polls. but I have a pretty good background in statistics, and I have followed the science of opinion polls closely.

Here are the pro's and con's of this NIDA poll.

PRO'S

1. The sample size is sufficient for representative results (maybe plus/minus 2 to 3 points)

2. There are no other pro's

CON'S

1. The results are reported with precision of xx.xx%. Any reputable pollster would be ashamed to post such numbers. The precision is meaningless and is an indicator of statistical stupidity.

2. There is no reporting of the actual questions asked. This is a fatal flaw in the report. Without the questions it is impossible to make a judgement about bias in the poll.

3. The following sentence is laughable: "77.65 percent of the respondents say that members of the public should not protest against the government or the NCPO but should monitor their performance because they don’t want to see the country in trouble or divided and that the government should be given a chance to do its job" It is simply not believable that 77% of the respondents were determined to have this identical complex set of opinions.

For all of you guys who are attempting to draw a conclusion from this poll, please stop it. You would be better served by relying on the "Magic 8 Ball".

It is truly a shame that polls in Thailand are so poorly done, and reported in such a fashion. In my mind, there are only two explanations, neither of them very flattering: 1) incompetence. or 2) intentional deception.

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Are you new to Thailand?

and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

Education is getting better under the present government? I think that deserves a poll in itself.

I have worked in Thai schools throughout both forms of civilian government and now this junta

The only thing I've seen change is this 12 value nonsense. Everything else is exactly the same.

[northernjohn]

Finally someone posts a good breakdown, sensible.

To the poster who asked: How has your freedom been impaired? I wonder if that's what the Sunni Muslims in Iraq used to ask the shi-ites and Kurds when Saddam was in power? A completely subjective question.

Thaksin keeps getting brought up. He is probably the current governments biggest boon. He was corrupt no doubt, but they all are - I can't stress this enough. THEY ALL ARE. Thaksin is "Eurasia" or "Eastasia" now. A shadowy enemy who is needed for the current regime to remind the people why they need to remain in power - and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

Most of us on the forum are from Democratic countries (I won't comment on whether this is a positive or a negative) and the only reasons I can imagine that anyone posts in favour of the coup are: 1: It's your wife's opinion. 2: Thailand is "different" and I know better than the stupid farangs who don't understand Thailand, which boils down to the same thing.

At the end of the day, maybe there is a majority in favour of the Junta, but that does not address the disenfranchised minority who are not. As long as the word democracy is bandied about, bear that in mind.

I don't mean to offend anyone - but how many people actually speak Thai and have conversations with Thai people about things like this? Also, how many are well read on the modern history of Thailand, from more than one publication, and at least one publication that is banned inside Thailand?

Are you new to Thailand?

and the great bit is that a lot of Thai middle class and higher class do regard the northeast farmers as a little stupid - yet they all bought into this nonsense hook, line and sinker.

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

No I'm not new. I have lived here for 15 years and taught Englsih for the first 11 of those in the Thai education system. It is not getting any better under the present government, it hasn't changed a jot since I have been here. In fact the Juntas recent introduction of 12 core principles for students to strive to, featuring a video that displays a boy painting nazi symbolism while his friend applauds him suggests they are actually regressing. It doesn't matter how many of them admit it needs overhauling. Every change they have made has been pointless and the old system is still entrenched. Shuffling bureaucrats around and continuously appointing new Education ministers does not equate to an overhaul or improvement.

Are you new here?

Explain to me why my granddaughter needed a computer for school this year. A real one not a Yingluck thing. Eight years ago my niece didn't need one. You sound like a paid red shirt that can't figure out why it didn't happen yesterday. Take for example unity in Thailand. The PM figures real unity will take 20 years. Change des not happen that quick when dealing with the Government. I didn't even have to go to school to learn that.

She also needed a printer. Prior to my buying them for her she had been coming over and using mine. No she was not going to a private school. Maybe other students not using them were not keeping up with the education system All I know is she needs one and you have been out of teaching for 4 years and missed the reality of change. It may not be up to your high standards but it is coming along.

Edited July 14, 2015 by northernjohn

[Rykbanlor]

check out the education level here. It is getting better under the present government yet still has a long way to go. Even the last two ministers of education under Yingluck admitted that it needed over hauling.

No I'm not new. I have lived here for 15 years and taught Englsih for the first 11 of those in the Thai education system. It is not getting any better under the present government, it hasn't changed a jot since I have been here. In fact the Juntas recent introduction of 12 core principles for students to strive to, featuring a video that displays a boy painting nazi symbolism while his friend applauds him suggests they are actually regressing. It doesn't matter how many of them admit it needs overhauling. Every change they have made has been pointless and the old system is still entrenched. Shuffling bureaucrats around and continuously appointing new Education ministers does not equate to an overhaul or improvement.

Are you new here?

Explain to me why my granddaughter needed a computer for school this year. A real one not a Yingluck thing. Eight years ago my niece didn't need one. You sound like a paid red shirt that can't figure out why it didn't happen yesterday. Take for example unity in Thailand. The PM figures real unity will take 20 years. Change des not happen that quick when dealing with the Government. I didn't even have to go to school to learn that.

She also needed a printer. Prior to my buying them for her she had been coming over and using mine. No she was not going to a private school. Maybe other students not using them were not keeping up with the education system All I know is she needs one and you have been out of teaching for 4 years and missed the reality of change. It may not be up to your high standards but it is coming along.

If you read the other posts, at least 2 other posters of sound values concurred with what I said. Also I have plenty of contacts still in schools, and I read the news.

Now she needs a computer - well the times are a changing. Just because they have computers, it doesn't mean any of the core principles at work have changed.

As for the accusation that I am a paid red shirt, do you know how ridiculous that makes you sound? You are obviously one of these people who can only see black or white.

I support neither the red regime nor the current one, and I have formed my opinions through experience and reading.

Please feel free to flesh out your argument with some examples of how the system is improving though.

[lildragon]

I love how he has one case of his grand daughter needing a computer or to use a printer as an example to apply to the WHOLE of Thai education.

I have worked in schools a long time, the amount of needless red tape is the same, pandering to win silly and meaningless awards is the same, under equipped facilities is the same, no fail system is still there, bureaucratic nonsense within schools of senior 'teachers' warring with each other over power. Need I go on?

This administration has changed diddly squat apart from putting their own cronies in ministerial positions and promoting these archaic 12 values.

And yes I have lived here a long time and I know what I'm talking about.

[Rykbanlor]

I love how he has one case of his grand daughter needing a computer or to use a printer as an example to apply to the WHOLE of Thai education.

I have worked in schools a long time, the amount of needless red tape is the same, pandering to win silly and meaningless awards is the same, under equipped facilities is the same, no fail system is still there, bureaucratic nonsense within schools of senior 'teachers' warring with each other over power. Need I go on?

This administration has changed diddly squat apart from putting their own cronies in ministerial positions and promoting these archaic 12 values.

And yes I have lived here a long time and I know what I'm talking about.

Haha, right? Your explanation nails it on the head.

Also I recall my students using computers when I was still in the game. A lot of copying and pasting from the internet to complete assignments was welcomed and cooed over by the Thai teachers and sent back to be done again by me.

Every other teacher I have ever known can relate to the same problems.