Wondara: The public views Thai politics as deteriorating and hopes the leader will solve economic problems and crack down on corruption. A KPI poll by the King Prajadhipok Institute reveals that Thai politics is in a state of dissatisfaction prior to the next election, with voters perceiving the situation as worsening. They hope for a leader who can solve economic problems and combat corruption, emphasizing the importance of the individual's qualifications.
According to Thai News Agency, the King Prajadhipok Institute has released the results of a survey on "Public Opinion on Politics and the Next Election," conducted between November 30 and December 10, 2025, among 2,016 citizens aged 18 and over, distributed across the country.
The survey found that 45.7 percent of the public feel that Thai politics has worsened, 41.5 percent think it remains the same, and only 9.3 percent think it has improved. This reflects an atmosphere of dissatisfaction and the feeling that there are no tangible positive changes.
Regarding the new prime minister that the public wants, 36.2 percent want a leader who can genuinely solve economic problems, 17.8 percent want an honest leader, and 8.5 percent want a leader who adheres to democratic principles. This shows that the public prioritizes economic results over political explanations.
The urgent priorities for the new government are, according to the public, a fight against corruption, and solutions to household debt and the cost of living. While the public wants economic solutions, combating corruption remains the number one priority, reflecting the view that corruption is the root cause of economic hardship and a vulnerable point in patronage-based politics.
The survey also found that in the next election, individual candidates will once again be highly significant. If their preferred party nominates an unsuitable candidate, 59.2% are willing to change their minds or might change their minds. Thai politics is no longer just about parties, but about the quality and credibility of the candidates.
The announcement of the prime ministerial candidate in advance was cited by 68.7% of the public as influencing their voting decisions. The candidate's name is not symbolic but rather a behavioral factor for voters. Furthermore, 16.2% of the public expressed a desire to hear Mr. Nattapong Ruangpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, debate the most, followed by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul and Mr. Abhisit Vejjajiva.