A poll of Thai voters by Gallup released on Friday showed that an economy issue that is important to people’s stomachs is the issue that plays a huge role in deciding which political party can emerge victorious in Sunday’s general election, May 14?
In this latest research report, Gallup noted that Thailand’s political landscape remains largely unchanged from the past. Political groups and politicians move the camp back and forth according to the situation. But what is different this time is This is the first time that young voters and their dissatisfaction with the constitution written by the military and the role of the monarchy in Thai society are clearly shaping the direction of the election which is to come Especially after a lot of unrest in the country during the year 2020 and 2021
Gallup also highlighted the fact that compared to Thais aged 50 and over, those aged between 15 and 29 are likely to dislike the work of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who has been in office since 2014 and suffer. has been falling steadily since after the 2019 general election, according to the survey. General Prayuth’s popularity in the first group was 42%, while the popularity of the latter was only 17%.
In addition, conservative parties led by members of the current government have struggled to beat their opponents from the opposition, such as Pheu Thai, led by Pae Thongtarn Shinawatra, the daughter of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, and classified as the “most favorable” party. It is very likely in recent opinion polls, including with progressive parties such as the Progressive Party which is highly favored by young people.
Thai people feel insecure about the economy-standard of living.
from an economic point of view Thailand should face several challenges this year. And those issues can affect the win-lose outcome of this election. is it a problem of an aging society Continuous increase in the interest rate economic slowdown of major trading partners in the Western Hemisphere and geopolitical tensions Especially in the case of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
And although Thailand has been able to move forward with some success to improve its economic situation during the last few years Most Thai people think The country’s economy is declining. with 43% of those who saw it that way, compared to those who saw it Everything looks better on 36%.
Gallup said negative outlooks on Thailand’s economy were particularly high in the Northeast, the region with the lowest level of wealth in the country, where 48% of the region’s residents considered it “lowest in wealth “. Thailand’s economy is in decline, with 33% saying it is improving.
The survey report also pointed out that although the economy of the North East is driven by agriculture and rice growing. the fact that Thai rice farming is still less productive and efficient than neighboring countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. The general picture of the economy around us does not look very hopeful.
The report also said that Thais who live in urban areas are The most pessimistic group In terms of economic conditions, only 27% of those people think that things are getting better, compared to 45 % who think things are getting worse.
There are several indicators of dissatisfaction with the Thai domestic economy, including:
- Most Thai people feel that the situation in that country is worse than in neighboring countries, while the majority of people in all countries in Southeast Asia polled by Gallup think that their living measures began improved from last year.
- Share of Thai people who say they had problems finding money to spend on food last year, increasing in 2022 to 46%. North East (51%) and North (50%)
- The majority of Thais (58%), especially those who live in urban areas (64%), said that it is very difficult to find a job in the area in which they live. This is different from the people of other ASEAN countries surveyed. The only exception is Myanmar, where people have a negative view of looking for a job.
What Gallup reports is a good reflection of the reality of this electoral field. As candidates from different parties take a stand on economic issues in many campaigns, there are various support schemes, such as the minimum wage increase policy. Increased benefits for women with children and offering many welfare benefits to the elderly, etc.
Gallup pointed out that such populist policies are clearly aimed at people who are concerned about the state of the economy. But those who come out to criticize point out that these policies will only increase the financial burden on the government by not helping to drive the economy to any extent.
Finally, this specialist analytical and consulting company comes to the conclusion that it does not matter who will win the election this year. It is unlikely that there will be a significant change in Thailand’s political landscape. Because members of the privileged group Whether it is a former general or a member of a wealthy family that has been close to Thai politics for decades, are those who have a high chance of winning this time. But what is certain is that the winners will face numerous economic challenges and the daunting task of restoring faith in government. especially in the new generation of Thai people
- Source: Research report by Gallup (Gallup)
