Most Thais are disappointed with the government's economic work and its failure in political reform and reconciliation, according to the result of a Suan Dusit Poll survey revealed on Sunday.
The poll was conducted on 1,572 people nationwide between April 17 and 19 after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha announced the results of his government's first six months of work on Friday.
Asked in what fields they are disappointed with the government, most respondents, or 78.24%, pointed to its failure to solve economic problems; 73.79% to its inability to bring about political reform and reconciliation; 70.67% to its inability to get the culprits in political and criminal cases punished; and 68.58% to its use of power to restrict public opinion.
To the question of whether they were satisfied with the government in certain areas, 86.26% said "yes" to the state of peace and no political rallies; 84.54% with the government's decisiveness; 75.76% with the government's serious action against corruption; 74.43% with action taken against wrong-doing politicians and government officials; and 61.07% with the government's attention to the people's livelihood.
Asked what issues they thought had worsened since the government of Gen Prayut came to power, 88.74% mentioned the higher clost of living and higher goods prices; 84.16% the restriction of public opinion; 79.96% the excessive use of laws and regulations; 76.72% the government's poor image and international relations; and 66.98% southern violence.
Asked what they thought had remained unchanged after six months of the Prayut government, 91.98% pointed to the economic slump; 71.73% colour-code politics and divisiveness; 62.21% corruption and selfishness; and 59.35% crimes, danger to society and accidents.
However, 57.35% of the respondents said they are more satisfied than disappointed with the government; 28.78% are equally satisfied and disappointed; and 13.87% are more disappointed than satisfied.