72% think the Thai government are “stalling”, 60% say leave the Monarchy alone

72.4% of people polled in a recent Suan Dusit Poll say that the government should “immediately seek negotiations with the protesters and not to buy time.” The private survey was conducted by the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University. The poll was conducted between October 19 – 22 in the wake of the central city rallies, the hosing down of the protesters at Pathumwan intersection and imposing of a State of Emergency.

5,738 people were surveyed around Thailand about the ongoing political impasse, the demands of the protesters and the response from the Thai government.

Why have the numbers of political rallies have increased?

(Respondents were allowed to give more than one answer, percentages rounded off to the nearest .1 of a percent)

• The protesters are not satisfied with the prime minister’s handling of the country’s administration (66.2%)

• They protesters want democracy and an end to dictatorial power (49.9%)

• The two sides in conflict are fighting for political power (48.4%)

• The people want to see quick amendment to the constitution (47.1%)

• The government has performed poorly (44.2%)

What do you want to tell the government in the wake of political protests?

• The government should immediately seek negotiations with the protesters and not to buy time (72.4%)

• It should not use violence with the protesters (61.7%)

• It should listen to the voice of the people and the protesters (60.4%)

• The protests are in line with democratic principles (57.4%)

• The protesters are exercising their rights and freedom (53.1%)

At the same time, 73% of respondents wanted the protesters not to become a tool of any political groups and 66% were concerned that the protesters be careful about Covid-19. 64% hoped the protesters would not resort to violence. 60.4% of respondents said they didn’t want protesters to “infringe on the Monarchy”.

Amongst the protesters list of 10 key demands, questioning the role of the Thai monarchy is the most controversial and shaping up to become the most polarising issue as the impasse continues.

How would you end the political rallies?

• the two sides must not use violence 61.4%

• the government must show sincerity in solving the protesters’ problems 57.9%

• both sides should seek truce via negotiations 56.6%;

• the two sides must listen to one another’s opinions 49.6%

• the two sides must be flexible and take a step backward 44.1%

2 more protests have already been scheduled in central Bangkok, 1 today and the other tomorrow. A joint sitting of the Thai Parliament is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday this week.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post