On April 20, 2025, the Nida Poll, conducted by the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), revealed significant public sentiment regarding potential cabinet reshuffles in Thailand. The survey, which took place from April 5 to 9, 2025, gathered responses from 1,310 individuals aged 18 and over across various regions, educational backgrounds, occupations, and income levels. With a confidence level of 97%, the findings reflect a diverse cross-section of the Thai populace.
When asked about the urgency of cabinet changes under Prime Minister Phaethongthar Shinawatra, 48.24% of respondents expressed that a reshuffle is necessary as soon as possible. In contrast, 16.18% believed it was not necessary, while 15.50% suggested waiting three months for adjustments. A smaller segment, 10.07%, felt changes should be postponed for six months, and 6.95% believed a year-long wait was appropriate. Only 1.53% indicated that changes should be delayed for nine months, with a few respondents choosing not to answer.
The survey also delved into opinions on specific ministries. For the Ministry of Commerce, 57.02% of participants called for a change, while 41.60% disagreed. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives saw a split with 48.55% advocating for a change and 49.47% opposing it. In the Ministry of Finance, 46.49% supported a reshuffle compared to 51.98% who did not.
Further analysis showed that the Prime Minister's office itself faced scrutiny, with 44.43% of respondents favoring changes and 52.82% against. The Ministry of Labor had 43.89% in favor of a change, while 54.05% opposed it. Other ministries faced similar divides, with the Ministry of Public Health showing 40.61% in favor of changes and 57.71% against.
Interestingly, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society received a 38.09% approval for changes, while 58.17% preferred to maintain the status quo. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had 35.26% in favor of a reshuffle, with 60.69% preferring no changes.
Overall, the results indicate a clear desire among the public for significant alterations in the cabinet, particularly in the Ministry of Commerce, which stands out as the most favored for a quick adjustment. This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the effectiveness and responsiveness of the current government.
In terms of demographic breakdown, the survey showed that 8.55% of respondents were from Bangkok, 18.70% from the central region, 17.79% from the north, 33.28% from the northeast, 13.82% from the south, and 7.86% from the east. Gender representation was fairly balanced with 47.94% male and 52.06% female respondents.
Age distribution revealed that 12.13% of participants were aged 18-25, 17.79% were 26-35, 17.94% were 36-45, 26.34% were 46-59, and 25.80% were 60 or older. The majority, at 95.19%, identified as Buddhist, while 4.12% were Muslim, and 0.69% identified as Christian or belonging to other religions.
As for marital status, 35.49% were single, 62.60% were married, and 1.91% were widowed, separated, or divorced. Educational attainment varied, with 0.46% having no formal education, 19.77% completing elementary school, 35.04% finishing secondary education, 9.01% obtaining vocational qualifications, 30.38% achieving a bachelor’s degree, and 5.34% holding postgraduate degrees.
In terms of employment, 11.83% were government employees or state enterprise workers, 17.33% worked in private companies, 21.30% were self-employed, 11.37% were business owners or freelancers, 15.04% were farmers or laborers, and 17.56% identified as housewives, retirees, or unemployed. Students made up 5.57% of the respondents.
Income levels varied widely, with 19.08% of participants reporting no income, 3.44% earning less than 5,000 baht per month, and 32.99% earning between 10,001 and 20,000 baht. A smaller fraction, 12.82%, earned between 20,001 and 30,000 baht, while only 0.15% reported earning over 60,001 baht per month.
The Nida Poll's findings highlight a critical moment in Thai politics, reflecting widespread public demand for change within the cabinet. As the government navigates these sentiments, the results may influence future decisions regarding ministerial appointments and policy directions. With nearly half of the population eager for swift action, the pressure mounts on Prime Minister Phaethongthar Shinawatra to respond to the electorate's calls for reform.
