A majority of people think Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha should allow cabinet members interested in politics to show support for political parties, according to an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted on Oct 2-6 on 1,218 people throughout the country after Gen Prayut announced publicly that he is interested in politics while denying reports that he is resigning as chairman of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and reshuffling his cabinet. His announcement has drawn mixed reactions from people who have closely monitored ongoing political developments.
Gen Prayut has also allowed members of his cabinet interested in politics to support political parties of their choice.
Asked whether they agree with Gen Prayut's stance, a majority of respondents - 57.26% - agree, while 42.74% disagree.
Of those who agree with him, 48.03% said it is his personal right to do so; 38.06% said that he has allowed cabinet members to be free to express their political opinions; and 13.91% said the prime minister has allowed cabinet members to show support for people with a similar political ideology.
Of those who disagree, 42.18% said the prime minister should stay neutral and not show partiality; 31.28% said the move invites attacks on and criticisms of the government; and 26.54% said it shows political interference on the part of the government.
Asked to comment on Gen Prayut's statement: "I am interested in politics", 40.50% of the respondents said it is his right to express his opinion; 20.42% said the prime minister should improve his performance, particularly in solving economic and political problems; 18.84% said Gen Prayut is signalling that he wants to hold onto power so that various projects can continue; 15.63% said the remark indicates that an election will definitely take place; and 13.50% said he should be more careful with his words.
