On April 20, 2025, the NIDA Poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), unveiled the results of a recent survey that focused on public sentiment regarding potential adjustments to the cabinet under Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra. The survey, carried out from April 5 to April 9, 2025, included a diverse sample of 1,310 respondents aged 18 and older, representing various regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels across Thailand.
The findings revealed that a significant portion of the population, 48.24%, believes that immediate cabinet changes are necessary. This sentiment is further underscored by 16.18% of respondents who feel that adjustments are absolutely essential. Meanwhile, 15.50% of those surveyed expressed that no changes are needed at this time.
When asked about specific ministries, the survey indicated that the Ministry of Commerce was at the forefront of public opinion, with 57.02% of respondents advocating for its adjustment. In contrast, 41.60% felt that it should remain unchanged. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives also showed a closely divided response, with 48.55% favoring an adjustment and 49.47% opposing it.
Other ministries faced similar scrutiny. For the Ministry of Finance, 46.49% of respondents indicated a desire for change, while 51.98% preferred to keep it as is. The Prime Minister's Office garnered 44.43% support for adjustment, with 52.82% against it. The Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Interior also reflected this trend, with 43.89% and 43.82% respectively calling for changes, while the majority of respondents opposed such adjustments.
Interestingly, the Ministry of Public Health received 42.52% support for adjustment, but 55.57% of respondents disagreed with making changes. The Ministry of Transport, Education, Digital Economy and Society, and several others showed similar patterns, where a smaller percentage of respondents believed in the necessity of adjustments compared to those who did not.
In the survey, the Ministry of Energy had 38.09% support for adjustment versus 60.53% against it. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports also reflected a lack of public support for changes, with 35.26% and 34.66% respectively favoring adjustment, while over 60% opposed it.
Additionally, the survey explored the public's perception of the timing for any cabinet adjustments. Among the respondents, 10.07% believed changes should occur within three months, while 6.95% suggested waiting six months. Interestingly, 1.53% felt that adjustments should be postponed for a year, and 1.53% thought they should wait nine months. A notable proportion of respondents, 16.18%, indicated that immediate adjustments were unnecessary.
The demographic breakdown of the survey participants showed that 47.94% identified as male and 52.06% as female. Age-wise, 12.13% were aged 18-25, while the largest group, 26.34%, fell between 46-59 years old. A significant majority, 95.19%, identified as Buddhist, with 4.12% Muslim and 0.69% Christian or belonging to other religions.
In terms of employment status, 35.49% of respondents reported being single, while 62.60% were married. The educational background varied, with 19.77% having completed less than secondary education, while 30.38% had a bachelor's degree or equivalent. The survey also revealed that 11.83% were government officials, 17.33% worked in private companies, and 21.30% were self-employed.
As the survey results indicate, there is a clear public desire for changes within the cabinet, particularly concerning the Ministry of Commerce. This reflects broader expectations for the government to respond to the needs and concerns of the populace. As Thailand navigates its political landscape, the findings from the NIDA Poll will likely influence discussions surrounding cabinet adjustments and policy directions.
Overall, the NIDA Poll serves as a significant barometer of public sentiment towards the current administration's performance and its willingness to adapt to the changing needs of its citizens. With nearly half of the respondents advocating for immediate changes, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these calls for action.
