NIDA Poll: No optimism about pandemic, economy, and politics

A new NIDA Poll asked people about their thoughts on 2022, asking about politics, the economy, and the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of respondents not having a particularly positive outlook on the coming year. They were asked if the economy will improve, if the pandemic will subside, and also if PM Prayut Chan-o-cha will remain in power or what will happen in the world of politics.

The poll was conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration who surveyed a representative sample of 1,325 people who were of various ages over 18, and from a variety of different locations, occupations, and levels of education. The surveyed people were interviewed by phone between January 4 and January 6.

How do you expect 2022 to be regarding Covid-19, politics, and economics?

• 46.34% – it will probably remain as chaotic as 2021
• 34.72% – it will be even more chaotic
• 10.04% – it will be less chaotic
• 3.77% – it will be calm
• 5.13% – no answer or were not interested in the poll question

Will PM Prayut Chan-o-cha stay in power?

• 45.36% – PM Prayut will retain his power throughout the year
• 11.47% – a new election will come via a House dissolution
• 7.85% – there will be cabinet reshuffles
• 7.32% – PM Prayut will resign
• 6.64% – PM Prayut no longer qualifies for the Prime Minister position after the 8-year constitutional term limit
• 3.47% – expect rifts in the coalition parties that lead to government collapse
• 3.17% – Protesters will oust PM Prayut from the prime ministership
• 1.28% – a military coup will seize power from PM Prayut and his government
• 0.98% – PM Prayut will be outmanoeuvred politically and lose the prime minister position
• 12.46% – no answer or were not interested in the poll question

Compared with 2021, how will the economic situation be in 2022?

• 45.73% – the economic situation will be worse
• 34.04% – the economic situation will remain about the same
• 20.23% – the economic situation will improve

Will the Covid-19 pandemic get better or worse?

• 42.04% – the pandemic situation will get more serious
• 24.98% – the pandemic situation will remain about the same
• 18.72% – the pandemic will subside in 2022
• 14.26% – the pandemic will no longer be cause for concern

SOURCE: Bangkok Post