Most people back the crackdown on "influential criminal figures" or "dark influence" by the National Council for Peace and Order and believe state officials are involved in illegal activities, according to an opinion poll carried out by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted between March 7-12 among 1,249 people nationwide.
Asked what they think about the policy, 74.6% said they back it and want it to be pursued vigorously. However, 71.7% said it would be difficult to uproot dark influence and the problems would be only partially solved.
Asked which group of "influential figures" should be tackled first, 88.8% pointed to traders of illicit drugs, contraband and weapons; 78.4% to politicians; 73.2% to state officials including those in the military and police; 67.4% to loan sharks and operators of illegal casinos and the underground lottery; and 61.7% to those involved in illegal labour and human-trafficking.
Asked whether they think state officials are involved, 85.4% said yes, 13.2% were uncertain, and 1.2% said no, on the basis the officials gave an oath of allegiance when they took office.
Asked whether they think the policy would be a success, 42.4% believed it would succeed if it attracts the cooperation of all sides concerned; 36.9% thought it was unlikely because dark influence is deep-rooted, 11.9% believed it would be a success because the NCPO can exercise its sweeping powers under Section 44 of the interim charter; and 8.6% said it would be a total failure.
NCPO spokesman Piyaphong Klinphan denied any political motivation behind the blitz and said those on the list could expect to be prosecuted fully.