Bangkok: KPI Poll by the King Prajadhipok Institute indicates that citizens in all regions are ready for elections. Bangkok residents believe the elections will be fair and honest the most, while those in the South believe it the least.
According to Thai News Agency, the King Prajadhipok Institute (KPI) released the results of a survey on "Public Readiness for the February 8, 2026 Election." Associate Professor Issara Seriwattanawut, Secretary-General of the KPI Poll Center and Chairman of the KPI Poll, emphasized that the survey aims to reflect political reality with neutrality and factual accuracy. The poll is designed to be a democratic think tank for Thai society by providing data that politicians, political parties, academics, and the general public can use to understand public sentiments and expectations.
The survey, conducted between December 26-29, 2025, involved 2,000 individuals aged 18 and above from all regions of the country. Key findings reveal that while Thais are ready for elections, confidence in the system remains low. The overall readiness of the public averages 7.81 out of 10 points. Knowledge and understanding of elections are relatively high, scoring 8.46 points, but attitudes toward election fairness and honesty scored lower at 7.81 points, with participation being the lowest at 7.18 points. The results suggest that while people understand the electoral system, they remain uncertain about its fairness and their ownership in politics.
Regional disparities in election readiness are notable. Bangkok, the Eastern, and Central regions scored highly, reflecting their urban status and access to information. However, the Northeastern and Southern regions showed lower readiness, influenced by structural and social factors. Confidence in election fairness is also unequal, with Bangkok scoring the highest at 8.41 points, while the Northeast and South scored significantly lower, indicating a lack of trust in the electoral process in these areas.
The willingness to report corruption is higher than trust levels, especially in Bangkok, which scored 9.19 points. In contrast, the South and Northeast scored lower, reflecting uncertainty about the system's fairness and effectiveness in addressing corruption. The survey highlights that while Thai citizens are ready for elections, the challenge lies in restoring confidence in the fairness and integrity of the process, particularly in the South and Northeast. The Election Commission needs to focus on targeted campaigns that demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of reporting irregularities, prioritizing farmers and low-income groups to enhance participation and reduce political inequality.