Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra leads her cabinet ministers in paying homage to a shrine at Government House on Friday. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
Most Thais currently harbor significant reservations about Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her administration. Their main concerns revolve around the government’s potential inability to deliver on promises and Paetongtarn’s perceived inexperience in political spheres, according to a recent Nida poll. Conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration, the survey tapped into the perspectives of 1,310 respondents, capturing a diverse cross-section of Thai society spanning all generations, occupations, and regions.
When queried about their confidence in the government’s capabilities to address national issues, the responses painted a rather skeptical picture:
- 35.42% expressed low confidence
- 28.17% had moderate confidence
- 22.52% revealed no confidence at all
- 13.13% maintained high confidence
- 0.76% were unsure or disinterested
Diving deeper into their primary worries about the administration, respondents articulated a range of concerns:
- 36.03% feared that the government would fail to uphold its political promises, or falter below expectations
- 32.14% were apprehensive about Paetongtarn’s youth and her lack of political/national administrative experience, potentially leading to poor decision-making
- Another 32.14% were troubled by the specter of Paetongtarn’s father, Thaksin Shinawatra, having excessive influence, which might trigger lawsuits against the prime minister and coalition parties
- 24.89% were wary of corruption arising from a lax administration
- 21.76% foresaw crises emerging from mismanagement of national affairs
- 21.53% predicted political chaos from street rallies opposing Paetongtarn’s government
- 18.85% anticipated petitions to oust the government by Thaksin’s adversaries
- 18.63% had no particular concerns about the current government
- 14.73% feared yet another coup d’état
- 11.83% envisaged coalition parties attempting to unseat the prime minister
- 10.08% envisioned the government falling due to stringent checks and balances by opposition parties
- 0.46% were unsure or unconcerned
Regarding whether Thaksin’s political involvement might sway public perception of Pheu Thai in the present government, opinions varied:
- 40.23% believed it would negatively tarnish the party’s popularity
- 33.29% felt it would have no impact
- 22.21% thought it would enhance the party’s appeal
- 4.27% were unsure or indifferent
This Nida poll just shows how people don’t trust the young and inexperienced. It’s so disheartening.
But do you really think inexperience should be ignored? Leadership requires experience and wisdom.
True, but we can’t keep recycling the same old faces expecting different results! Fresh perspectives are important too.
Experience doesn’t always mean effective. Look at Thaksin, experienced yet controversial!
Thaksin had his issues, but he also had achievements. We need to find a balanced approach.
Honestly, Paetongtarn is just Thaksin 2.0. Another puppet.
That’s awfully harsh. She is her own person and deserves a fair chance.
But she wouldn’t be in power if not for her father’s influence. Isn’t that problematic?
Exactly. We’re talking about nepotism here. It’s a serious issue.
I think the real problem is corruption. No matter who is in power, the system itself is flawed.
That’s a pretty universal problem, but we still need strong leaders to minimize it.
Agreed, but we also need systemic changes, not just efficient individuals.
Any poll that shows almost 60% with low to no confidence in their leader is very concerning.
Why do people keep blaming youth? Don’t older politicians have their failings too?
Very true; many older politicians have been in scandals and failures. Age isn’t a guarantee of success.
Political chaos from rallies sounds inevitable. The country is divided no matter who leads.
The poll highlights corruption fears. That’s a red flag no matter who’s in charge.
Corruption is deeply rooted but blaming one administration won’t solve it.
True, but addressing it should be a priority for every administration.
I’m more worried about the potential of another coup. Stability is essential.
Coup talk keeps resurfacing because of fragmented politics!
And that’s precisely why we need more political reforms to unify the country.
Paetongtarn really needs to prove herself quickly if she wants to gain public trust.
Frankly, I see no problem as long as Thaksin doesn’t interfere too much.
Corruption isn’t just a local issue; it’s global. However, each country must tackle it head-on.
Yes, and that requires a strong legal system and transparent governance.
Inexperience is a flaw, but it’s not an insurmountable one. She can grow into the role.
If allowed and supported, new leaders can definitely develop into strong figures.
The constant back-and-forth regarding Thaksin is tiresome. Can we move on already?
It’s hard to move on when his influence is still very much felt.
High or no confidence, what’s more important is holding the government accountable through constant checks.
Accountability is key. Without it, no government can sustain public trust.
Another poll, another doubt on leadership. What’s new?
True, but these polls sometimes push leaders to make better decisions.
Poll results are just opinions. Actions matter more over time.
Polls reflect public sentiment, though. Ignoring them isn’t wise.