Pheu Thai in crisis: Will new strategies save the day?
Political analysts predict the ruling Pheu Thai Party will deploy fresh strategies to revive its sagging popularity after a lacklustre performance over the past nine months.
Despite a government survey by the National Statistical Office showing 44.3% satisfaction with the administration, a NIDA Poll tells a grimmer story: only 25.19% of the public are content. A significant 34.35% of respondents noted no meaningful changes, particularly in economic and social arenas, while 35.95% criticised the government for failing to address root issues, eroding their confidence.
Key hurdles include delays in disbursing the fiscal 2024 budget and implementing the party’s flagship 10,000-baht digital wallet scheme, now slated for the fourth quarter of this year. Pheu Thai’s popularity took a further hit when Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin faced a court case over the controversial appointment of Pichit Chuenban as PM’s Office minister.
To reverse the downward trend, the Bangkok-born Srettha has initiated weekly economic meetings to track and discuss policies, responding to a disappointing first-quarter economic growth of just 1.5% against a promised 5% for the year. He also held meetings with tourism agencies to accelerate plans for promoting tourism in 55 secondary provinces, aligning to make Thailand a regional tourism hub.
The 62 year old prime minister has been touring various provinces to address local issues, though critics argue these visits yield minimal tangible changes. Observers believe the party will ramp up efforts to showcase successful policies, such as tackling informal debts, relisting cannabis as a narcotic, introducing visa-free entry for several nationalities to boost tourism, pushing the Marriage Equality Bill, and improving agricultural prices.
Analysts stated that Pheu Thai will concentrate on economic improvements to regain voter trust and avoid further decline in support, reported The Nation.
In related news, the Pheu Thai Party has reconsidered its earlier statement regarding the inclusion of Section 112, or the lese majeste law, in the amnesty bill. Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the matter is complex and requires public consensus to prevent future disorder.
