Thailand’s political index drops to 3.86 amid border tensions, floods

Thailand’s political index dropped to 3.86 in July, reflecting growing public concerns over a range of issues, including tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border and flooding in the North, Suan Dusit Poll reported on Sunday.

The poll, conducted by Suan Dusit University, revealed that the index — based on 25 indicators — had declined from 4.13 in June, with almost all indicators showing a decrease.

The survey was conducted among 2,171 respondents between 26 and 31 July.

The results showed that only one indicator — the government's disclosure of public information — had improved, rising from 4.11 in June to 4.20 in July.

Two indicators remained unchanged from the previous month:

• Overall performance of political parties: 4.20
• Overall social situation: 4.08

The top five indicators were:

• Opposition performance: 4.36 (down from 5.15 in June)
• People’s rights and liberties: 4.34 (4.58 in June)
• Public education development: 4.33 (4.45 in June)
• People’s inclusion: 4.31 (4.38 in June)
• Overall performance of political parties: 4.20 (unchanged)

Asst Prof Kanyakarn Sathiensukhon of Suan Dusit Poll said several incidents in June had affected public sentiment, including reports of sex scandals involving senior Buddhist monks, the Thai-US trade negotiations, an audio clip of a conversation between Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Cambodian Senate president Hun Sen, Thai-Cambodian border clashes, and flooding in the North.

She noted that the indicator measuring the prime minister’s performance fell from 3.97 in June to 3.43 in July — the lowest score so far this year — reflecting growing dissatisfaction with both the government's performance and its communication with the public.

The survey found the top three government achievements were:

• 42.21%: Sending explanations to the United States regarding border conflicts
• 40.51%: Providing support to people along the Thai-Cambodian border
• 17.28%: Implementing the 20-baht flat fare policy for electric railways

The top three performing government politicians were:

• 44.05%: Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security
• 29.85%: Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior
• 26.10%: Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister