The possibility is high that political conflicts, as seen before Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha took over the country's administration in a coup, will return after the March 24 election without effective preventive measures and solutions, according to the result of an opinion survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted between Feb 26-March 2 on 1,028 people across the country as election campaigns have intensified, raising fears that the election may lead to the renewal of political conflicts.
Asked whether political conflicts -- similar to those seen before the takeover of the country's administration by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) led by Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha -- are likely to return without effective preventive measures and solutions, 68.09% said the possibility is high; 26.85% were uncertain, saying that this would depend on the ability of the new prime minister to handle the situation; and 5.06% said the chance for political unrest to return is slim, as the NCPO can still exercise its power under Section 44 of the constitution.
Asked to identify the causes of political conflicts, 59.22% of the respondents blamed power struggles and special interests; 49.02% political polarisation; 42.35% lack of democracy and prevalence of double standards; 18.43% differences of attitudes and lines of thinking among the people; and 10.59% lack of moral and ethical awareness.
Asked to suggest ways of preventing and handling political conflicts, 64.75% cited strict law enforcement; 47.13% said people should listen to one another's opinions; and 33.61% said people should stay informed and monitor information carefully.
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