Poll Indicates Public Has Low Expectations for Anutin Government, Concerned About Public Debt and 400 Billion Baht Loan

A Suan Dusit Poll shows the public has low expectations for the “Anutin government” but wants reductions in the cost of living, energy costs, and product prices. They expect the Thai economy to worsen over the next three months and are concerned about public debt and the 400 billion baht borrowing.

17 May 2026 GMT+7 Suan Dusit Poll Suan Dusit University revealed the results of a nationwide public opinion survey on "Public Expectations for the Performance of the Anutin Government" The sample included 1,143 respondents (surveyed online and in the field) from 12-15 May 2026. The results are summarized as follows:

1. The public wants the Anutin government to urgently address which issues (Respondents could select more than one issue)

• Rank 1: Reduce cost of living, energy costs, and product prices 77.97%
• Rank 2: Solve citizens’ debt problems 63.78%
• Rank 3: Combat corruption and ensure transparent management 63.08%

2. The public thinks that the Thai economy over the next three months (June–August) will be like what?

• Rank 1: Worse 46.89%
• Rank 2: Same 32.81%
• Rank 3: Unsure 10.50%
• Rank 4: Better 9.80%

3. As of today, what concerns the public the most?

• Rank 1: Public debt burden and 400 billion baht borrowing 44.44%
• Rank 2: Cost-effectiveness of the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' scheme 13.65%
• Rank 3: Thai-Cambodian border issues 11.81%

4. The public expects how much from the Anutin government’s performance? Rank 1: Low expectations 33.16%

• Rank 2: Somewhat expectant 31.06%
• Rank 3: No expectations at all 23.45%
• Rank 4: High expectations 12.33%
• Dr. Pornpan Buathong, Chairperson of Suan Dusit Poll, stated that economic problems remain a major challenge for every government that the public wants urgently addressed. Although the Anutin government plans to borrow 400 billion baht to tackle issues, the public’s current concern is the public debt burden, as well as the value and long-term effects of such borrowing. This may explain why people foresee the economy worsening and remain cautious about how much they can expect from the government’s performance.

Dr. Ngampravun Esmuneek, Dean of the School of Law and Politics at Suan Dusit University, said the poll clearly reflects that the legitimacy of the current government no longer depends solely on a parliamentary majority but more on “efficiency in solving economic problems” and “credibility in national governance.” Many people do not immediately reject the government but are in a “wait-and-see” mode because Thai society has faced years of politics full of promises that often fail to produce tangible results for the public.

As the public worries about the cost of living, personal debt, and public debt burden, it reflects that the pressure on the government is not just about economic figures but a “crisis of confidence” regarding whether the government still has sufficient capacity to manage the country. On another level, the poll also shows that people are starting to prioritize “quality of governance” over political popularity. Even if the government is stable in parliament, failing to establish economic stability and social trust could lead to accumulating pressure over the long term. Low expectations may gradually turn into distrust and develop into stronger political pressure on the government and the political system as a whole in the future.