Under the leadership of Mr. Srettha Thavisin, the new cabinet members gathered for a memorable photo session in front of the iconic Santi Maitree Building at Government House. This significant event took place just before their inaugural meeting on May 7, 2024, and was captured beautifully by Chanat Katanyu. However, despite the picturesque start, the road ahead for Srettha’s administration appears to be bumpy, if public sentiment is any guide.
An opinion poll conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) revealed a rather grim outlook regarding the government’s performance and its ability to address national problems. Surveyed on June 4-5, 1,310 Thais—spanning a spectrum of ages, educational backgrounds, and occupations—voiced their thoughts about the administration since it officially took the reins in September last year.
When asked about their satisfaction with the government’s performance over the past nine months, the responses were a mixed bag:
- 34.35% were mildly dissatisfied, pointing out delays in addressing major issues with no tangible changes in sight.
- Another 31.69% were very dissatisfied, criticizing the total lack of progress and the failure to fulfill the policies promised during the election campaign.
- Conversely, 25.19% were mildly satisfied, noting improvements in the economy thanks to the government’s consistent push to enact policies and measures, with visible results in terms of problem-solving.
- 7.40% were very satisfied, appreciating the government’s determination to improve the populace’s well-being.
- A slight 1.37% were either unsure or not interested enough to form an opinion.
As for confidence in Mr. Srettha’s government’s ability to tackle the country’s pressing issues, here’s how citizens responded:
- 35.95% had no confidence at all, feeling that no significant changes had been made and that the government had yet to address root causes.
- A close 35.04% were not very confident, observing that the administration had merely scratched the surface and had not achieved its targets.
- A more positive take came from 22.14%, who were mildly confident, believing that the administration had the requisite experience and skills to move the country forward.
- 5.42% were very confident, emphasizing the government’s solid determination to tackle Thailand’s challenges effectively.
- Finally, 1.45% were ambivalent or indifferent, either not knowing or not caring enough to form a stance.
Despite the mixed reviews and apparent skepticism, it’s evident that the Srettha Thavisin administration has a complex landscape to navigate. The people’s sentiments reflect a blend of cautious optimism and outright disappointment, a revealing snapshot of the nation’s pulse. Navigating this tricky terrain will require not just strategic policymaking but also consistent and transparent communication to restore and reinforce public confidence.
I can’t believe nearly 70% are dissatisfied with the government already. What has Srettha even done in these nine months?
To be fair, big changes take time. You can’t overhaul a government overnight.
True, but some progress would be nice. People are impatient because they’re struggling.
Well, people have a right to be impatient when promises aren’t being kept.
Politicians always promise the moon and then deliver nothing. No surprises here.
Honestly, why are people even surprised? No one can solve all of Thailand’s issues in less than a year. Patience, my friends.
Patience is key, but look at the urgency of the problems. Can’t just wait forever.
Totally, but complaining without contributing solutions doesn’t help either.
Patience is a privilege of those who aren’t directly affected by the issues.
The economy is slightly better, I’ll give them that. But what about corruption and legal reforms? That’s where they’ve failed.
Corruption is a deeply rooted issue. It’s not going to go away with just one administration.
Sure, but we need to see some effort toward it. At least they should try.
It’s as if dealing with corruption isn’t a priority for them, which is worrying.
The government has been somewhat effective in economic matters. Can’t ignore that.
Fair point, but economic improvement means little if social issues persist.
Agreed, it’s not an either/or situation. Both need to be addressed.
I think the polls are too harsh on Srettha’s government. Nine months isn’t enough time to judge.
You’re too optimistic. If they can’t make a dent in nine months, what’s to say it’ll get better?
Hope and persistence. We need to push them to do better, not just criticize.
The percentage of people with no confidence at all is alarming. This speaks volumes about the level of trust in leadership.
1.45% unsure or ambivalent? Probably folks too tired of the political mess to care anymore.
Ambivalence is dangerous because it equals inaction. We need an engaged citizenry.
If they don’t address the root causes, what’s there to be confident about? The next election will just be more of the same.
Exactly. It’s the same cycle and people have the right to be skeptical.
We need systemic change, not just a new face.
Policy enactment takes time. Let’s not rush to conclusions yet.
I’ve seen some small improvements in infrastructure. Maybe that’s a start?
7.40% very satisfied? I want to meet these people and get some of their optimism!
Yeah, it’s like they’re living in a different country or something.
Wouldn’t mind living in their version of reality for a bit!
There’s always a mix of satisfaction and dissatisfaction in any government’s performance. Balance is key.
Balance maybe, but we need progress more than anything.
Absolutely. Balance shouldn’t mean stagnation.
Hoping for transparency moving forward. The government needs to communicate better.
Interestingly, even with dissatisfaction, only 35.95% have no confidence at all. It means there’s room for improvement.
If the policies they campaigned on aren’t being implemented, what’s the point of voting?
The voting system needs an overhaul too. It’s all interconnected.
True, but where do we even start? It’s a colossal task.