Most people believe 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, according to a recent opinion poll by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The survey was conducted from Feb 26-March 2 among 1,028 people across the country as election campaigning intensified, raising fears of the renewal of old rivalries.
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) -- are likely to return, 68% said the possibility is high; 27% were uncertain, saying that this would depend on the ability of the new prime minister to handle the situation; and 5% said the chances of political unrest are slim, as the NCPO can still exercise its power under Section 44 of the constitution.
Asked to identify the causes of conflicts, 59% of the respondents blamed power struggles and special interests; 49% political polarisation; 42% lack of democracy and prevalence of double standards; 18% differences in attitude among people; and 10% cited a lack of moral and ethical awareness.
Asked to suggest ways of preventing and handling the problem, 65% urged strict law enforcement; 47% said people should listen to one another's opinions; and 34% said people should stay informed and monitor information carefully.
