A recent nationwide survey conducted from October 7 to 10, 2025, involving 1,203 participants through a mix of online and in-person interviews, reveals that a growing number of Thais perceive current economic policies as offering only temporary financial support. Specifically, 29.51 percent of respondents characterized the measures as short-term aid, while 80.72 percent expressed the view that subsidy-driven initiatives can only deliver limited, immediate economic stimulation.
When questioned about optimal uses for constrained public funds, 53.72 percent of those surveyed emphasized investment in environmental resilience and disaster mitigation, including systems to counteract floods and droughts. Additionally, 67.17 percent advocated for a unified national water management framework to tackle recurring flooding, a persistent issue affecting agriculture and urban infrastructure.
In terms of political confidence, the Bhumjaithai Party was cited by 19.87 percent as most capable of addressing economic challenges, followed by the People’s Party at 17.37 percent. However, 16.63 percent indicated they currently trust no political party to effectively manage the economy.
Pornpan Buathong, President of Suan Dusit Poll, observed that while the government’s relief efforts have eased some financial burdens, citizens are calling for broader, sustainable strategies—particularly in areas like flood control, which directly impact daily life and local economies. She noted that public sentiment reflects expectations tied more to the incumbent administration than deep partisan allegiance.
Somsak Charoenpul, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Public Administration Programme at Suan Dusit University, suggested that Prime Minister Anutin’s commitment to dissolving parliament within four months of taking office has shaped public anticipation toward brief policy cycles, limiting long-term planning horizons.
Nonetheless, the data indicate strong public demand for enduring reforms in workforce development, ecological preservation, and infrastructure upgrades. These should be paired with inclusive economic models that promote balanced growth and fairer income distribution.
Economist Ammar Siamwalla, a former chairman of the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), has consistently argued that narrowing economic disparities is essential for reducing social and political tensions. The survey concludes that lasting solutions must focus on empowering individuals through sustainable livelihoods rather than recurring handouts.
— news from Nation Thailand
— News Original —
Thais see Anutin’s economic policy as short-term relief: Dusit Poll
The nationwide survey, conducted between October 7–10, 2025 among 1,203 respondents through online and field interviews, found that 29.51% view the current policies as temporary financial assistance, while 80.72% believe such handout or subsidy-based schemes can only stimulate the economy in the short term. n nWhen asked how limited government budgets should be used, 53.72% of respondents preferred investments in environmental and natural disaster management, such as flood and drought prevention. A further 67.17% said the government should prioritise a national integrated water management plan to address recurring flood issues. n nRegarding confidence in political parties’ ability to fix the economy, 19.87% named the Bhumjaithai Party, followed by 17.37% for the People’s Party, while 16.63% said they do not trust any party at this stage. n nPublic sees need for long-term reforms n nPornpan Buathong, President of Suan Dusit Poll, said the results show that most people regard the Anutin government’s economic approach as short-term relief. While it has helped alleviate hardship to some degree, the public expects a comprehensive, long-term economic strategy, especially on flood management, which directly affects livelihoods and the grassroots economy. n nWhen asked about confidence in solving economic problems, respondents said that although the Bhumjaithai Party received the highest score in this survey, it mainly reflected expectations toward the current government, rather than firm political loyalty. A significant portion of respondents also remained uncertain or unconvinced about the ability of any political party to effectively address the country’s economic challenges. n nAsst Prof Somsak Charoenpul, Chair of the Public Administration Programme at Suan Dusit University, noted that since Prime Minister Anutin has pledged to dissolve Parliament within four months after forming his government, people expect only short-term economic results. n nHowever, the findings also suggest that Thais want sustained action on career development, environmental protection, and infrastructure improvement alongside a long-term strategy for balanced economic growth and income distribution. n nExperts, including Professor Emeritus Ammar Siamwalla, a senior economist and former Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) chairman, have long emphasised that reducing economic inequality is key to easing political conflict. The poll concludes that the government must implement policies enabling people to achieve genuine self-reliance through sustainable economic empowerment.