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Politics and Government
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Politics and Government
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Pae's the limit: New poll reveals most Thais want PM to quit

Poll Shock: Majority of Thais Call for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Step Down Amid Growing Discontent

In a striking revelation that underscores the deepening political turbulence in Thailand, a recent nationwide poll has uncovered widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, with a significant majority of respondents expressing a desire for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign. The survey, conducted by a prominent polling organization, paints a picture of a populace grappling with economic hardships, policy failures, and a perceived lack of effective leadership, signaling potential challenges ahead for the ruling Pheu Thai Party.

The poll, which surveyed over 1,200 adults across various regions of Thailand, including urban centers like Bangkok and rural areas in the north and south, delved into public sentiment regarding the government's performance just months into Paetongtarn's tenure. Paetongtarn, the youngest prime minister in Thai history and daughter of former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, assumed office following a period of political upheaval that saw the ousting of her predecessor. Her appointment was initially met with a mix of optimism and skepticism, given her family's long-standing influence in Thai politics. However, the poll results suggest that initial goodwill has eroded rapidly, as citizens voice frustrations over unaddressed issues such as rising living costs, unemployment, and the handling of post-pandemic recovery.

Central to the findings is the stark statistic that 58% of respondents believe Paetongtarn should step down immediately. This figure rises to 65% among younger demographics, particularly those aged 18-34, who have been vocal about economic inequalities and the need for more progressive reforms. In contrast, only 32% expressed support for her continuing in the role, with the remaining 10% undecided. The pollsters noted that dissatisfaction is not isolated but spans across socioeconomic groups, with urban dwellers citing traffic congestion, pollution, and inadequate public services as key grievances, while rural participants highlighted agricultural subsidies and flood management failures.

Delving deeper, the survey explored the reasons behind this call for resignation. A plurality of respondents, around 45%, pointed to the government's perceived inability to tackle inflation and the cost-of-living crisis. Thailand's economy, still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19 and global supply chain disruptions, has seen food and fuel prices soar, disproportionately affecting low-income households. Critics argue that Paetongtarn's administration has been slow to implement promised stimulus measures, such as cash handouts or tax relief, leading to a sense of betrayal among voters who supported Pheu Thai in the last election on platforms of economic revival.

Another significant factor is the ongoing controversy surrounding political alliances and judicial interventions. Paetongtarn's rise to power came after the Constitutional Court dissolved the Move Forward Party, a progressive force that had won the popular vote, paving the way for a Pheu Thai-led coalition. This has fueled accusations of backroom deals and a regression to old-style politics dominated by influential families like the Shinawatras. The poll revealed that 52% of participants view the current government as "out of touch" with ordinary Thais, with many drawing parallels to the divisive eras under her father Thaksin and aunt Yingluck Shinawatra, both of whom faced mass protests and eventual removal from office.

Beyond the call for resignation, the poll gauged preferences for potential successors, offering insights into the shifting political landscape. Former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, despite his own controversial legacy, garnered surprising support from 18% of respondents, particularly among conservative voters who prioritize stability over reform. However, the most popular choice was a return to figures associated with progressive movements, with 25% favoring leaders from the disbanded Move Forward Party or its successor entities. This indicates a lingering appetite for change, especially among the youth who propelled Move Forward's success in 2023. Notably, 15% expressed a desire for an entirely new face, unaffiliated with established parties, reflecting a broader disillusionment with the political elite.

The implications of these findings are profound for Thailand's fragile democracy. Political analysts suggest that if Paetongtarn ignores this groundswell of opinion, it could lead to renewed street protests, reminiscent of the anti-government demonstrations that have plagued the country in recent years. The Pheu Thai Party, already navigating internal divisions and coalition tensions, may face pressure to reshuffle the cabinet or accelerate policy implementations to regain public trust. Economic experts emphasize that addressing immediate concerns, such as subsidizing energy costs or boosting tourism, could be pivotal in reversing the tide.

Public reactions to the poll have been swift and varied. Social media platforms buzzed with hashtags like #PaetongtarnOut and #ThaiPoliticsCrisis, where netizens shared personal stories of hardship under the current regime. Supporters of the prime minister, however, dismissed the survey as biased, arguing that it's too early to judge her leadership and pointing to ongoing initiatives like digital wallet schemes aimed at stimulating consumer spending. Government spokespeople have downplayed the results, attributing dissatisfaction to external factors like global inflation rather than domestic policies.

This poll arrives at a critical juncture, as Thailand prepares for potential by-elections and grapples with regional challenges, including border disputes and trade relations with neighbors. It also highlights the enduring influence of public opinion in a nation where military coups and judicial decisions have historically overshadowed electoral will. For Paetongtarn, who campaigned on themes of unity and progress, these results serve as a wake-up call. Whether she can pivot and address the grievances remains to be seen, but the message from the Thai people is clear: patience is wearing thin, and the demand for accountable leadership is louder than ever.

In the broader context of Southeast Asian politics, Thailand's situation mirrors trends in neighboring countries where economic woes have fueled anti-incumbent sentiments. From Indonesia's recent elections to Malaysia's coalition governments, the region is witnessing a push for transparency and efficiency. For Thailand, this poll could be the catalyst for meaningful reform or, conversely, a harbinger of further instability. As the nation watches, the coming months will test the resilience of Paetongtarn's administration and the Pheu Thai Party's ability to adapt to an increasingly vocal electorate.

The survey's methodology ensured a representative sample, incorporating diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds to capture a holistic view of national sentiment. While some critics question the timing—conducted amid seasonal economic dips—the consistency of responses across questions lends credibility to the overarching narrative of discontent. Ultimately, this poll not only quantifies public frustration but also underscores the volatile nature of Thai politics, where leaders rise and fall on the whims of popular approval. As discussions intensify in parliament and on the streets, the future of Paetongtarn's premiership hangs in the balance, with the Thai people firmly asserting their voice in the democratic process. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full The Thaiger Article at:
[ https://thethaiger.com/news/bangkok/paes-the-limit-new-poll-reveals-most-thais-want-pm-to-quit ]