Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun were present at the launch of the “Thai Helps Thai Easing the Cost of Living” campaign last Tuesday, showcasing a vendor’s motorcycle and cart. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
A recent nationwide survey has indicated an increase in public apprehension regarding the government’s plan to borrow 400 billion baht, with a significant number of participants prioritizing the need to alleviate the cost of living, as reported by Suan Dusit Poll on Sunday.
The survey, conducted by Suan Dusit University from Tuesday to Friday, involved 1,143 respondents across the country through both online and field methodologies, aiming to gauge public expectations for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s administration.
According to the findings, 77.97% of those surveyed emphasized the urgency for the government to address the escalating cost of living, particularly concerning energy and consumer goods prices. Following this, 63.78% of participants highlighted the need for solutions related to household debt.
Looking to the future, 46.89% of respondents predicted a decline in Thailand’s economic situation over the next three months (June-August), while 32.81% anticipated no changes.
The survey also revealed that 44.44% of participants expressed concern about the public debt burden, particularly in light of the government’s proposed 400 billion baht borrowing.
As for expectations surrounding the current administration, 33.16% of respondents reported low expectations, whereas 31.06% expressed moderate confidence.
Pornpan Buathong, director of Suan Dusit Poll, noted that economic challenges are a persistent concern for any government, with the public seeking prompt and effective solutions. Although the intended borrowing aims to resolve economic issues, worries have been raised about the increasing debt burden, the effectiveness of the spending, and possible long-term repercussions.
Buathong remarked, “These concerns may explain the prevailing belief that the economic outlook could worsen, prompting many to adopt a cautious stance regarding the government’s performance.”
Ngamprawan Ehsomnuk, dean of the university’s School of Law and Politics, observed that the poll reflects a changing perspective on political legitimacy, with governments being assessed more on economic performance and credibility than on their parliamentary majority.
She added that many individuals remain in a “wait-and-see” mentality following years of unmet expectations, while concerns over living expenses, household debt, and public debt indicate a broader “crisis of confidence” in the government’s capacity to effectively manage the nation.
The survey further highlighted that voters are increasingly prioritizing governance quality over political popularity, signaling that weak expectations could lead to distrust and escalate political pressure if tangible economic stability improvements do not occur.
Source: Bangkok Post
