A majority of people think the economy worsened during the first half of 2018 and foresee no improvement in the second half, but expect an upswing after a general election is held and a new government in place, according to the result of an opinion survey by the National Institute for Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on June 27-28 on 1,250 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to compile their opinions on "government policies to stimulate the Thai economy".
Asked about the overall Thai economy during the first half of this year, a slight majority - 54.88% - said it became worse because of the low prices of farm produce, the higher cost of living and higher goods prices; 30.24% said it stayed the same; and 14.88% said it improved, believing that people's income and farm prices are both rising.
Asked whether they have confidence in the government's policies to stimulate the economy, a majority - 56.64% - said "no", the policies have not been effective; 38.32% said "yes", believing that many projects to stimulate the economy have proved successful because of the government's strong leadership; and 5.04% were uncertain or had no comment.
When asked to suggest what policies should be used to spur the economy, 45.68% said the government should provide subsidies for farm prices; 42.80% say commodity price controls should be imposed; 19.84% suggest promotion of occupational training to reduce unemployment; 17.44% said the government should lower interest rates and freeze tax rates; and 17.04% said the minimum wage should be increased.
Asked whether a general election and a new government will help improve the Thai economy, 60.64% said "yes", adding that greater confidence in the government will result in higher foreign investment; 22.40% believed the economic situation will remain unchanged; 2.00% said the situation will get worse because of disruptions to government policies; and 14.96% were uncertain or had no comment.