The government's latest measures to stimulate the economy and an electronic tax system have received a lukewarm response from the people, according to an opinion survey by National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on 1,254 people of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country on May 9-10 to compile their opinions on the measures approved by the cabinet on April 30 to stimulate the economy and promote the e-tax system.
The measures include a number of personal income tax deductions to spur purchases of educational and sports equipment, clothing, one-tambon-one-product (Otop) goods, books and e-books, and residential property.
Asked whether they think the measures will help improve the Thai economy, 41.31% agreed; 40.43% thought the economy would remain the same; and 18.26% said they would actually make it worse.
Asked whether the measures would prompt them to spend more, a majority -- 64.35% -- said "no", while 35.65% said "yes".
Asked if they want the government to introduce any other economic stimulus measures, a huge majority -- 96.17% -- said "no", while the rest want the government to lower the cost of consumer goods, cars and motorcycles and maintenance costs, agricultural equipment, electronic devices, fuel, travel and health care.
