A slight majority of people say Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha should not pursue a political career after the forthcoming general election tentatively set for early next year on the grounds that his performance has not been satisfactory, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute for Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on Oct 24-26 on 1,258 people aged 18 and over of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country to compile their opinions on Gen Prayut's political future.
To the question whether Gen Prayut should pursue a political career after the general election early next year, a slight majority - 50.71% - of respondents said "no" because his performance in various fields - particularly the economy - has not been satisfactory, the country still lacks democracy and state employees receive unfair privileges.
A further 48.73%, however, said he should continue with his political work because he has administered the country effectively and solved various problems, while 0.56% were uncertain or had no comment.
Asked to specify the role Prayut should fill if he does actually pursue politics, 59.22% said he should become a member of a political party and run for prime minister as a candidate nominated by that party; 31.08% said he should be an "outsider" prime minister unaffiliated with any political party; 9.06% said he should simply quit politics; and 0.64% were uncertain or had no comment.
Of those who said Gen Prayut should be on a political party's list of candidates for prime minister, 52.62% said he should do so under the banner of the Palang Pracharath Party (led by Uttama Savanayan); 27.11% said he could do so under any party; 11.28% wanted him to join the People's Reform Party (led by Paiboon Nititawan); 8.05% said he should join the Action Coalition for Thailand Party (backed by Suthep Thaugsuban); and 0.94% said he could set up a new political party or join the Democrat, Pheu Thai or Tawan Mai Party.
Asked whether they think Gen Prayut will return as prime minister, 63.51% said this is likely; 35.77% thought this is unlikely; and 0.72% were uncertain or had no comment.
However, when asked whether they would support Gen Prayut for prime minister after the next general election, a slight majority - 51.74% - said "no", reasoning that his past performance has not been satisfactory; 47.54% said "yes", believing he would a good middleman who can lead the country to peace and prosperity; and 0.72% were uncertain or had no comment.
