A majority of people doubt the government can cope with the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic currently rolling across the country, according to an opinion survey by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted online between April 16-22 on 2,082 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on measures being taken by the government to deal with the pandemic.
When asked for their views on the current outbreak, with each respondent able to choose more than one answer, opinions varied as follows:
- 74.29% thought the virus was spreading very quickly;
- 67.56% were sympathetic with medical personnel and all who were working hard to stem the outbreak;
- 67.28% were concerned the government would not be able to cope with it or keep the situation under control;
- 63.58% said all must take care of themselves by staying home and washing hands; and
- 62.76% were concerned about the safety of their family members.
Asked to compare their current anxiety level with that during the two previous rounds of the pandemic, 68.40% said they were fearful and more worried; 19.60% were fearful and as worried as before; and 12.00% were afraid but less worried.
Asked to compare the three waves of the pandemic in Thailand, 70.51% thought the third was the most serious; 23.34% said all three were equally serious; 4.47% thought the first was the most serious; and 1.68% thought the second was the most serious.
Asked how they can best protect themselves from Covid-19 in the third wave, with each respondent allowed to choose more than one answer, 83.90% said they wear face masks while outdoors and wash hands frequently; 79.72% avoid high-risk areas and crowded places; 76.50% practice social distancing; 71.60% refrain from going outdoors; and 65.93% strictly observe official announcements on health safety measures.
Asked whether they thought the government would be able to cope with Thailand's third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, 35.73% were uncertain while 25.08% thought it was unlikely to be able to do so. Only 39.19% thought the government would be able to cope with it.
About half of the respondents -- 50.58% -- believed it would take more than three months for the third wave of Covid-19 to subside; 22.19% thought it would take three months; 17.82% two months; and 9.41% one month.
Asked whether they thought there would be a fourth round of Covid-19 pandemic, 58.89% said "yes"; 37.61% were uncertain; and, 3.50% said "no."