Poll Indicates Thai Support for Death Penalty Conditional on Transparent Justice Process

The North Bangkok Poll revealed survey results indicating Thai society tends to support the death penalty, hoping to address serious crimes, but emphasizing that the justice process must be fair and transparent.

On 7 August 2026, Assistant Professor Dr. Sanit Siriwisitsakul, head of the Opinion Survey Center, North Bangkok Poll, at North Bangkok University disclosed that a public opinion survey conducted nationwide from 6-7 August 2026, with a sample size of 987, addressed the topic "What do Thais think? The revival/enforcement of the death penalty and its effect on reducing serious crime."

It was found that the majority of the public agree with firmly reinstating the death penalty, seeing it as an important measure to handle serious crimes and instill fear of the law. The survey included the following key questions.

Do you agree with the strict and decisive enforcement of the "death penalty" in Thai society?

• The survey found that 70.6% agreed.
• Next, 26.2% disagreed.
• Meanwhile, 1.6% were unsure.
• And 0.8% had no opinion.
• Strong disagreement accounted for 0.8%.

Do you believe the "death penalty" can truly reduce or deter serious crime?

• The survey found that 60.3% believed it greatly reduces crime.
• Next, 36.5% said it helps reduce crime somewhat.
• Whereas 2.4% said it barely helps, and 0.8% said it does not help at all.

It can be said that the majority believe the death penalty has a deterrent effect. Combining those who said "greatly reduces crime" and "helps reduce crime somewhat," the total proportion is as high as 96.8%.

If the death penalty is used, which crimes do you think it should apply to most?

• The survey found that 91.3% believe it should apply to premeditated or serious murder cases.
• Next is rape followed by murder or severe sexual crimes at 86.8%.
• Other murder cases accounted for 64.6%.
• Serious assault or violent crimes accounted for 59.1%.
• Drug trafficking or drug-related offenses accounted for 58.3%.
• Other offenses, such as corrupt politicians and repeated offenses, were at 6.4%.

What is your greatest concern if the death penalty is reinstated/enforced?

• The survey found that wrongful conviction or punishing the wrong person was the top concern at 65.6%.
• Next was concern about rights and human dignity at 24.2%.
• While 10.2% had no concerns.

If there were no death penalty, which "alternative punishment" do you think would best replace and control crime?

• The survey found that life imprisonment or strict incarceration at 61.7% is considered the most appropriate alternative to the death penalty.
• Next, 28.1% did not think any measure can replace the death penalty.
• Meanwhile, stricter crime prevention and control measures accounted for 7.0%.
• And rehabilitation or correction measures for offenders accounted for 3.1%.