Editorial - Indicators for the New Government

As the government formation becomes clearer, with Bhumjaithai as the leading party and Pheu Thai as the main coalition partner, the key challenge is not about how many ministries each party gets, but how the new government can start in a way that makes people feel real change. The King Prajadhipok's Institute survey on 'Urgent Issues the New Government Should Address After the Election' clearly shows that people want the government to start work immediately on matters directly affecting daily life. Overall, 38% want to solve economic problems first, followed by social issues at 32.3% and political issues at 29.7%. This is a clear signal that economic hardship is the top priority. In the economic dimension, nearly half (47.8%) want to 'reduce living expenses' more than structural policies or attracting new investments. This reflects the reality that expenses are outpacing household incomes, with many families experiencing financial strain. In the social dimension, drug problems rank first at 33.6%, followed by illegal businesses and scammers, reflecting concerns about personal and property safety, linking to crime, violence, and community quality of life. The most prominent political issue is that 52.7% want the government to 'seriously address corruption', far ahead of constitutional amendments, political conflicts, or border issues. Ultimately, the survey suggests the new government should work on two parallel tracks: immediate measures to reduce living costs, alleviate debt, and combat drugs and crime; and secondly, improve governance and combat corruption concretely. The success of the government will not be measured by fancy policy statements, but by whether people feel their lives are improving and the government truly uses power for the benefit of the country and its people.