Survey shows Thai public skeptical of new prime minister's independence

By AJU PRESS Posted : August 26, 2024, 14:05 Updated : August 26, 2024, 14:05
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his daughter newly elected PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra arrive at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok for her royal endorsement ceremony on August 18 2024 Yonhap
Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra (left) and his daughter, newly elected Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, arrive at Pheu Thai party headquarters in Bangkok for her royal endorsement ceremony on Aug. 18, 2024. Yonhap
SEOUL, August 26 (AJU PRESS) - A recent poll conducted by Thailand's National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) reveals that 74.4 percent of Thais believe Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cannot govern without the influence of her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The survey, which questioned 1,310 adults nationwide on Aug. 20-21, found that 59 percent think it's "impossible" and 15.4 percent consider it "somewhat impossible" for Paetongtarn to run the country without her father's support.

However, public opinion favors Thaksin maintaining some distance from the government. 37.8 percent of respondents said Thaksin should not hold any position or influence from behind the scenes but could offer informal advice as a father.

Regarding Thaksin's actual role, over 70 percent expect he will assist behind the scenes or provide unofficial fatherly advice without holding an official position.

Paetongtarn, Thailand's youngest-ever prime minister at 38, is the third Shinawatra family member to hold the position. She has emphasized that while she may seek advice, her father will not manage her or the government.

The survey comes amid growing controversy over Thaksin's potential influence, especially after his recent public speech addressing various policy issues.
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