KBU Sport Poll surveyed public opinion regarding the new government's development of sports.
On 11 Feb 2026 GMT+7, following the 2026 parliamentary elections, unofficial results showed the Bhumjaithai Party won decisively with 194 seats, followed by the People’s Party with 118 seats, and Pheu Thai Party placing third with 74 seats.
From the sports perspective, prominent athletes such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Kawin Thamsatchanan, and Kulwut Vitidsant have shared their views with the media on the new government's direction for sports development.
Meanwhile, KBU Sport Poll by the Human Capital Development Innovation Center at Kasem Bundit University has continuously surveyed public opinion on sports under the theme “New Government and Public Expectations for National Sports Development,” with details as follows.
After the parliamentary election and before the formation of the new government, one key area of public and sports community expectation is advancing national sports development. To engage participation and reflect related perspectives, KBU SPORT POLL in collaboration with the Sports Management Institute for Sports Organizations (WISDOM) and the Be Bangpakong Facebook page conducted an online survey from 8 to 10 Feb 2026 GMT+7. The sample included 1,149 general public respondents aged 18 and over, consisting of 502 men (43.70%), 436 women (37.94%), and 211 LGBTQIA+ individuals (18.36%).
Regarding expectations for national sports development, 29.30% support making sports a core government policy, 27.90% emphasize appointing knowledgeable sports ministers, 24.00% advocate for adequate and appropriate development budgets, 11.46% support foundational development aligned with changing circumstances, 5.80% encourage public engagement in sports and exercise as a lifestyle, and 1.54% mentioned other aspects.
Regarding the desired qualities of the sports minister, 32.70% prioritize knowledge and understanding of sports dimensions, 30.40% value honesty and integrity, 18.02% want demonstrable tangible achievements, 12.80% desire broad social acceptance, 4.00% emphasize interpersonal skills and openness to all sectors, and 2.08% noted other qualities.
Issues needing improvement include corruption (33.50%), sports promotion budget problems (29.30%), delays in athlete allowance disbursement (19.10%), public access to government sports facilities (11.88%), athlete welfare (4.62%), and others (1.60%).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ratthapong Boonyanuwat, Director of the Human Capital Development Innovation Center, added that the survey results show most respondents expect the new government to prioritize sports promotion and development as a main policy. This may reflect how developed countries integrate sports development alongside other sectors, while in the past, Thai governments typically embedded sports promotion within social policies, which may not meet current changing conditions. When asked about the sports minister, most respondents emphasized a candidate with relevant knowledge and integrity. Notably, respondents expect the new government to address multiple sports-related problems, especially corruption and related issues.
The public’s feedback from this survey suggests that if the new government truly prioritizes advancing national sports development alongside other areas, rather than neglecting sports as it has been treated previously, it will have positive effects on society and the country as a whole.