People have widely divergent reactions to Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha's victory in the vote for prime minister on June 5, according to an opinion survey by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted on June 6-7 on 1,265 people aged 18 and over throughout the country.
The responses varied as follows:
- 26.77% were glad, believing Thailand will move forward
- 25.50% were indifferent to the identity of the prime minister
- 24.78% were disappointed, saying the country's economy might be at a standstill for a period
- 15.06% said Gen Prayut is not suitable for the prime minister's post in the current situation
- 11.71% said he is suitable for the post in this situation
- 10.52% were satisfied, saying the country will be at peace
- 7.09% said Gen Prayut has been voted prime minister as pre-designed in the constitution
- 6.29% were concerned there will be more conflict in the country
Asked how long they think the new government will last, 44.11% believe it would complete the four-year term; 18.47% said it would last less than two years; 16.56% less than one year; 10.11% less than six months; 5.50% less than three years; and 5.25% were uncertain or had no comment.
