The government under Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has received a score of only 5.35 points out of 10 for its overall performance, an opinion poll conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll, revealed on Sunday.
The poll was carried out on Feb 12-17 on 1,016 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on the performance of the government, which has about one year to go before a general election according to its political roadmap.
In the survey, the government was given 5.35 out of 10 for its overall performance.
In individual categories, the government scored 5.39 for its work in social affairs; 4.94 for its management of the economy, 5.83 for national security and just 4.64 for its handling of political affairs.
Asked to mention the areas where the government's performance was most satisfactory, 47.57% of respondents cited its handling of law and order; 35.62% assistance for farmers, low-income earners and victims of disasters; 34.96% the suppression of drugs and people "wielding dark influences"; 23.45% the developments of infrastructure, the transport system and high-speed trains; and 21.45% with its handling of ceremonies that emphasise the importance of the monarchy.
Asked to name the areas in which they were least satisfied, 53.05% of respondents cited its poor management of economic problems; 37.28% its handling of corruption; 29.93% its failure to solve political problems; 23.30% its inability to tackle poverty and social disparities; and 18.64% the purchase of military armaments including submarines.
Asked what they want the government to do during its final year in office, 46.68% said it should solve economic problems; 34.73% expedite the legislation of election-related laws; 32.30% investigate corruption on the part of holders of political positions; 26.77% improve health care for the general populaton and welfare for the elderly; and 24.12% reform the bureaucracy.