Poll: Thais support Prayut’s trip to Washington
Most people approve of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha’s visit to the White House, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen Thailand’s diplomatic ties with the United States and for the administration to update itself on global trends, according to a Suan Dusit Poll released on Sunday.
Of 1,113 people polled nationwide, 70 per cent thought the meeting could help improve Thailand-US relations, 66 per cent thought it was a good chance to meet with the US President Donald Trump, and 65 per cent thought it could help enhance Thailand’s international credibility.
Asked what Thailand might gain from the visit, almost 73 per cent said it could help the Thai delegation exchange and absorb new information. About 70 per cent of respondents thought it could help strengthen bilateral ties, almost 66 per cent said it could help stimulate the economy and more than 62 per cent said it could be Thailand’s opportunity to explain its domestic situation.
Asked what they would say to the premier ahead of the visit, almost 69 per cent cheered Prayut on to do his best. About 61 per cent hoped Prayut would be a good representative of the Kingdom and 59 per cent said the premier should keep in mind that any deals made should prioritise national benefits.
The poll was conducted from September 26-30.