On March 9, 2025, the NIDA Poll published significant findings concerning the concerns of Thai citizens toward the Pheu Thai government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. This survey, conducted between March 3 and 4, 2025, among 1,310 respondents aged 18 and above nationwide, unveiled widespread dissatisfaction with the government's performance since its inception.
The results revealed alarming statistics: 66.43% of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the government, and 66.77% felt the same about PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra personally. Transparency emerged as the primary issue, with 69.59% of those surveyed feeling the administration lacked accountability, highlighting the broad call for change and reform.
Following the survey, Kriangsak Charoensak, the President of the Nation Building Institute, commented on the public's sentiments. He emphasized the urgent need for the government to restore public confidence through significant initiatives on multiple fronts, including economic management, resource allocation, and ensuring equity among different societal groups.
"More than 66% of the public expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the government and PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra," reported NIDA Poll, indicating the scale of public discontent. The poll’s participants articulated specific areas of concern, with many pointing to ineffective economic policies and inefficient governance, which exacerbated socioeconomic issues for everyday citizens.
Regarding Pheu Thai's general performance, results showed ample skepticism. Approximately 67.21% believed the government failed to use resources effectively, and the same percentage felt it did not respond adequately to pressing societal needs. This pervasive lack of confidence raises questions about the government's ability to initiate and sustain meaningful economic reforms.
While sentiments of dissatisfaction permeated, this poll also reflected public engagement with upcoming political debates. The anticipated parliamentary discussions on no-confidence votes against the government have positioned these issues at the forefront of political discourse. The survey indicated 53.44% of respondents anticipate PM Paetongtarn will retain her position following the no-confidence debates, showing divided views on the government's fate.
More closely examining the specifics of the survey results, findings indicated 37.25% of respondents deemed three days the most appropriate duration for debate, followed by 24.89% favoring two days. Concerns went beyond mere dissatisfaction, as citizens reflected on the future dynamics of governance—31.22% noted the likelihood of cabinet reshuffles as part of potential political outcomes.
With 28.17% believing the coalition government would remain stable, and only 21.15% considering imminent cabinet changes, the electorate reveals caution and skepticism. Surprisingly, 11.76% of participants suggested the possibility of dissolution and new elections, showcasing deep divisions within political affiliations and sentiments particularly among the coalition partners.
For those noting detailed concerns, 65.45% felt the government neglected equitable treatment across all sectors of society, reinforcing the narrative of growing discontent due to perceived biases and inefficacies. Additional remarks indicated significant calls for meritocracy, particularly within ministerial appointments to replace outdated figures from previous administrations.
The Pheu Thai government has faced scrutiny not solely for governance failures but for its approach to addressing the nation's pressing needs. Many suggested implementing rigorous reforms aimed at improving economic output, tackling pressing poverty issues, and fostering unity across different political ideologies.
Calls for transparency resonate strongly, with 68.71% expressing dissatisfaction related to accountability measures within the government. The public insists on truly independent oversight, ensuring taxpayer money spent serves the common good and not merely political interests.
Given the current political climate and public perception, it is clear the Pheu Thai government faces monumental challenges. The combination of economic issues, dissatisfaction with government efficacy, and the dynamics of public trust suggests one clear demand from the Thai populace: significant and immediate reform.
Meanwhile, the road to restoring confidence hinges on whether the Pheu Thai government responds adequately to these criticisms. Whether Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra can navigate these turbulent waters will determine not only the fate of her administration but also the broader structure of governance and political stability in Thailand.