People see 2018 unrolling much like last year: Suan Dusit poll
While some bright spots can be anticipated for this year’s economy, most people do not hold high hopes for political and social development in 2018 Thailand, according to a Suan Dusit Poll result released on Sunday.
Of 1,230 people polled nationwide, 48 per cent thought that politics in the year ahead would remain much the same given the continuing unstable political factors and lingering conflicts among political actors.
Almost 30 per cent expected improvement as they trusted in the government’s road map to an election and that it now has a more experienced administration, while 22 per cent expected the worst given the unclear election plan and the ongoing corruption.
Asked about Thai society, 44 per cent did not expect much progress given the accumulated problems of crime, drugs and inequality, while 28 per cent expected change for the better citing their belief in Thai people’s willingness to see a united, peaceful society.
More than 27 per cent, however, thought that it could get worse because of the urge to survive in a declining economy.
Asked about the Thai economy, almost 39 per cent thought that it could be enhanced given increasing trade and investment figures and more stimulation from government and the private sector.
More than 32 per cent saw no improvement ahead given the increasing living costs and political affects against economy, while almost 30 per cent thought that it could get worse because of continuing effects from global economic trends.
The poll, titled “people’s perception of politics, economy and society in 2018”, was conducted from January 2 to 6.