PM Paetongtarn leads Suan Dusit’s political-index survey

A recent survey conducted by Suan Dusit University reveals that the Thai government’s performance ratings have improved in October compared to September, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emerging as the most popular coalition politician.

The Suan Dusit Poll, which surveyed 2,136 people across Thailand from October 25 to 30, asked participants to evaluate both government and opposition performance across 25 different areas using a scale of 1 to 10. The results, released yesterday, November 3, showed the overall Thai political index rose to 5.01 from September’s 4.8.

Several key performance indicators showed marked improvement. The prime minister’s performance rating increased to 5.27 from 5.12, whilst overall government performance rose to 5.13 from 4.98.

Political stability saw an uptick to 5.10 from 4.91, and public safety reached 5.00, up from 4.75. Policy implementation also improved, rising to 5.14 from 4.99. The opposition’s performance, however, saw a slight decline to 5.34 from 5.41.

The survey also revealed notable improvements in crucial areas of governance. Anti-corruption efforts rose to 4.71 from 4.45, while unemployment initiatives improved to 4.69 from 4.40. Poverty reduction measures increased to 4.67 from 4.32, and drug enforcement and external influence control reached 4.58, up from 4.33.

In terms of coalition politician popularity, PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra led with an impressive 52.81% public support, followed by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at 26.40% and Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga at 20.79%.

Among opposition figures, People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut garnered 37.80% support, with party colleagues Sirikanya Tansakun and Rangsiman Rome receiving 34.36% and 27.84% respectively.

The public particularly praised the government’s flood relief efforts, which 40.15% of respondents cited as its best achievement. Economic and cost-of-living support measures were acknowledged by 36.55% of participants, while 23.30% commended the government’s assistance to students affected by a bus fire.

The comprehensive assessment, which combined both field and online responses, provides a detailed snapshot of Thailand’s current political landscape and suggests growing public confidence in the government’s performance across multiple sectors, reported The Nation.

In other news, Thailand is taking decisive action against drug-related issues by designating 10 provinces as pilot areas to test new strategies. Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasised the broader societal impacts of drug problems during her visit to Roi Et, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle this challenge.