Govt censure sparks wave of interest

The no-confidence debate against six cabinet ministers is the most interesting current political issue, says an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.

The poll was held among 1,222 people throughout the country on Feb 12-15.

Asked to identify the most interesting political developments in the country recently, 39% of respondents cited the censure debate against six cabinet ministers including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha; 29.5% the government’s handling of the country, especially economic affairs; 25.4% the government’s handling of social problems such as the coronavirus outbreak and the shooting rampage in Nakhon Ratchasima; 20.3% the dissolution case against the Future Forward Party; and 15.6% corrupt practices such as alleged irregularities in military welfare schemes and forest encroachment.

Asked to cite the most vexing political problems, 41.7% cited inappropriate conduct by politicians, such as proxy voting; 38.5% unproductive work by politicians; 21.7% conflicts between the government and the opposition; 18.2% misuse of power and nepotism; and 14.3% the failure to prevent and solve problems.

Asked what most erodes the people’s faith in the government, 43.1% cited slow and ineffective address of problems; 34% failure to handle events that affect people’s security in life and property; 20.1% lax law enforcement, discrimination and lack of neutrality; 13.6% the government’s failure to carry out campaign policies; and 12.7% inappropriate use of the national budget.