Dusit Poll: Public Worried About Debt as Government Plans 400 Billion Baht Loan, Demands Lower Living Costs and Energy Prices
A Suan Dusit poll shows 78 percent of Thais want urgent action on living costs and energy prices, while nearly half worry about the government's planned 400 billion baht loan and mounting public debt.
Suan Dusit University's poll released on May 17, 2569, surveyed 1,143 people nationwide on their expectations for the Anutin government's performance, with data collected both online and in the field between May 12-15, 2569.
Results show that 77.97 percent of respondents want the government to urgently reduce living costs, energy prices, and commodity prices, while 63.78 percent want personal debt problems addressed. Regarding the Thai economy over the next three months (June-August), 46.89 percent expect conditions to worsen, while 32.81 percent believe it will remain unchanged.
The issue causing the most concern is the public debt burden and the government's planned 400 billion baht loan, cited by 44.44 percent of respondents. When asked about expectations for the Anutin government's work, 33.16 percent expressed low expectations, while 31.06 percent had fairly positive expectations.
Dr. Pornpan Buatong, chairman of Suan Dusit Poll, stated that economic problems remain a major challenge for every government that the public wants addressed urgently. Although the Anutin government is planning to borrow 400 billion baht to tackle these issues, citizens remain concerned about the public debt burden and its long-term value and impact. This may explain why many people expect the economy to worsen going forward and remain uncertain about what results the government will deliver.
