Only about half of the respondents in an opinion survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University think the latest cabinet reshuffle will help the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha improve its performance.
The poll was conducted on Nov 28-Dec 2 on 1,195 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on the new cabinet line-up - featuring both newcomers and previous ministers in new positions - sworn in before His Majesty the King on Nov 30.
Asked whether they think the reshuffle will enable the government to improve its performance, 50.22% said 'yes', because the new ministers are competent, knowledgeable and experienced; 42.67% expected the government's performance to remain the same; 7.11% expected the government's performance to worsen because of the disruption caused by the change in personnel.
Asked their overall opinions about the Prayut 5 cabinet, 32.18% said they expect to see improvement in the government's work; 28.71% said it would take some time before its concrete achievements can be seen; 17.48% said it was intended to build people's confidence in the government; 16.50% said it was merely a rotation and of cabinet post holders, and 10.82% said it was designed to reduce pressure and criticism from the public.