A majority of Thai workers say the country's labour wage is still low and not enough to cope with the high cost of living while the political situation is in disarray and the economy in a slump, according to the result of an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was carried out on April 25-30 on 1,070 workers throughout the country.
Asked about the present labour situation, the respondents said wages were generally low (84.58%); there is not enough labour protection and welfare (78.5%); and the labour sector still has the potential to develop further (74.77%).
On the labour problems they are facing, the respondents said their income is not enough and they still have debt burdens (82.24%); they are still being unfairly treated (78.97%) ; and, many are still unemployed and their jobs being taken over by foreign workers (69.63%).
Asked about their views on current politics, the workers said it is still full of conflict (76.64%); there are both good and bad people in politics (71.50%); and politics is moving toward change (69.63%).
On the economy, the workers said the cost of living is high (80.37%); the economy is in a slump, not conducive to foreign investments (77.57%); and, the country's employment and labour wage have been affected by the downturn (60.75%).
On their confidence in the government under Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, most or 44.86% of the respondents are fairly confident; 33.18% have little confidence; 11.21% have high confidence; and, 10.75% have no confidence.