10-6-2024 (BANGKOK) A majority of Thais have expressed disappointment with the government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who assumed office nine months ago, as it has failed to address the country’s pressing issues and implement promised policies, according to a recent opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA).
The survey, which polled 1,310 individuals between June 4-5, revealed that a staggering two-thirds of respondents were either not quite satisfied or not satisfied at all with the government’s performance thus far. The findings highlight the mounting public frustration with the administration’s inability to enact meaningful change.
Compounding the dissatisfaction, approximately 70% of those surveyed expressed a lack of confidence in the government’s ability to tackle the nation’s challenges effectively. The poll attributed this sentiment to the absence of significant changes and tangible results since Srettha’s ascension to power.
Srettha, a real estate magnate, has grappled to revive Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, which has lagged behind its regional counterparts in terms of economic growth. In an effort to stimulate consumption and jumpstart the stagnant economy, his government is forging ahead with an ambitious 500 billion baht ($13.6 billion) household stimulus scheme, slated for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
However, Srettha’s tenure has been marred by controversy, with the Constitutional Court accepting a complaint last month seeking his removal from office over the appointment of a lawyer with a prior jail sentence to his cabinet. The Prime Minister has since filed a defense statement in response to the allegations.
When asked about potential changes in the government within the next two months, a substantial 43% of the NIDA survey participants expressed their expectation that Srettha would remain in his position, despite the mounting public dissatisfaction and legal challenges.
