Rising costs greatest threat to govt
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The increasing cost of living was cited as the major factor threatening to weaken public support for the Yingluck government in a poll by Assumption University.
Higher cost of living was cited as the most likely cause of a drop in support for the government by 85.2 per cent of the 2,115 respondents in 17 provinces. Charter amendment (81.9 per cent) was the second most cited threat to the government’s stability.
Of all respondents, 73.8 per cent believed that constant efforts to explain its policies to the public could strengthen the government’s stability, while 55.9 per cent said they want the Yingluck government to complete its four-year term.
A separate poll by Suan Dusit showed that the Thai public expects the political conflict to intensify, following opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva’s speculation that a general election may take place late this year.
The Yingluck government took office in August 2011.
Of 1,316 respondents, 43.35 per cent believed that Abhisit’s speculation would intensify political conflicts, while 20.23 per cent said the government’s performance will be the best sign of whether a general electionwill be called early. Only 6.95 per cent believed that there would be a general election late this year as Abhisit suggested.
Asked if they wanted to see a vote late this year, 44.80 per cent said no, saying it would be a waste of money and lead to political instability.
