The King Prajadhipok's Institute revealed survey results showing that Thais accept holding new elections to resolve political issues, expecting the new government to make addressing "livelihood issues" a genuine national agenda.
On 13 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Associate Professor Dr. Isara Seriwatthanawut, Secretary-General of the King Prajadhipok's Institute and director of the KPI Poll Center, outlined key policies to develop the KPI Poll as an academic survey designed to truthfully reflect political realities. "Neutral, truthful, and beneficial" The poll adheres to academic standards and accuracy, not aiming to politically influence but to "listen" to politics through the people's voices. The KPI Poll data serves as a crucial knowledge base for politicians, political parties, academics, and the public, functioning as a true "democratic think tank" for Thai society.
Most emphasize legitimacy
The 12th KPI Poll results were announced by the center, based on a survey conducted from 27 Feb to 2 Mar 2026 GMT+7 among 1,908 respondents aged 18 and over nationwide. Key findings include:
1. In the event of an unavoidable political accident, such as a Constitutional Court ruling invalidating an election and requiring a new one, causing a 4-5 month delay in forming a new cabinet, would you accept this? The survey shows 74.4% accept new elections if necessary despite the delay, while 25.6% do not.
Most people accept the cost of delay if it leads to a clear government formation and resolves political issues, reflecting the importance of democratic legitimacy to the public. Meanwhile, some oppose new elections, possibly fearing economic and administrative impacts.
Acceptance if political processes stall
2. Many regions tend to "accept" holding new elections if political stalemates occur.
• The South (75.7%) and Northeast (72.2%) have relatively high proportions of acceptance.
• Followed by the North (68.0%), Bangkok (66.3%), and the East (64.4%).
• The Central region is the only area with a majority rejecting new elections (56.3%).
Most regions show a tendency to accept new elections if politically necessary, reflecting expectations to use democratic mechanisms to resolve political situations, though some areas remain concerned about political uncertainty.
Hope for livelihood as a national agenda
3. "Livelihood leads politics"—expectations for the new government to urgently address the economic crisis.
• 25.8% want urgent solutions to short-term economic problems and increased income, 21.7% prioritize long-term economic issues and enhancing national competitiveness the most.
• Next priorities are 16.4% for security, borders, and international relations; 14.9% for safety and crime; 11.1% for bureaucratic reform and corruption; and 10.1% for political issues/constitutional reform.
Livelihood and economic issues clearly top the list. Combining short- and long-term economic concerns accounts for nearly half, indicating that people face rising living costs and insufficient daily income. If the government focuses solely on political agendas and neglects livelihoods, it risks rapidly losing public support.
Younger generation looks to the future—working age focuses on livelihood
4. Different ages, different priorities—young people look to the country's future while working-age and elderly focus on livelihoods.
• Gen Z (18–27 years) prioritize long-term economy and national competitiveness.
• Gen Y and X (28–59 years) and Baby Boomers (60+) focus on short-term economy and increasing income.
This reflects clear life-stage differences: young people entering the workforce or recently graduated look broadly and worry about the future, while working-age and elderly bear family responsibilities and need immediate financial relief or cost-of-living reductions to survive each month.
Highlighting livelihood as a national agenda
Associate Professor Dr. Isara also noted that the survey reflects clear public expectations for the new government: "Livelihood issues are the true national agenda." Each age group faces different challenges: working and retired people need short-term economic policies for immediate survival, while young people want focus on long-term structural solutions. Political conflicts or structural reforms are seen as secondary. This signals that the new government has no honeymoon period and must quickly deliver tangible cost-of-living relief as a Quick Win.
At the same time, the majority accept returning to new elections to resolve political problems, showing that both "economic survival" and "political legitimacy" are crucial conditions the new government must simultaneously meet. Government stability may depend not only on parliamentary politics but mainly on economic problem-solving. If it fails on livelihood issues, the public will be less fearful of possible future political changes.