Benefits paid in cash and legalisation of underground economy popular - poll

Most Thai respondents to a recent NIDA opinion poll agree with former prime minister Thaksin’s idea of state benefits being paid in cash to disabled and vulnerable people under the “digital wallet” scheme and the idea of effectively nationalising some electric train concessions, so train fares can be reduced.

Most also agree with the idea of formalising the grey economy.

Conversely, most disagree with Thaksin’s idea for an entertainment complex and the extension of land leases for foreigners to 99 years.

The National Institute of Development Administration gauged the opinions of 1,310 people, aged 18 and over with various educational and occupational backgrounds, between August 26th and 28th, on some of Thaksin’s stated visions.

Regarding digital wallet scheme payments being in cash, the poll shows 53.74% fully agree with the idea and 21.14% say they agree. This is against 17.56% who say they completely disagree and 7.65% say they disagree.

On the nationalisation of the private sector’s concessions to operate some electric train lines, the poll shows 43.82% fully agree with the idea while 25.88% say they agree against. 18.09% fiercely disagree and 8.93% just disagree.

Regarding the 99-year land lease proposal, 70.92% completely oppose the idea and 14.11% say they disagree. 7.79% say they agree with the idea while 6.26% say they fully agree.

On an entertainment complex mega project, 44.81% fully disagree with it and 16.72% disagree, while 19.39% fully agree and 17.79% agree.

Nida Poll also gauged the opinions on any noteworthy performance by government and opposition figures in August.

On the government side, the outstanding figure are Paetongtarn Shinawatra (49.73%}, Srettha Thavisin (28.52%) and Anutin Charnvirakul (21.75%).

In the opposition camp, the figures of note were Pita Limjaroenrat (44.77%), Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut (32.35%) and Sirikanya Tansakul (22.88%).

The most popular government deliverables are cash payments under digital wallet scheme (41.44%), reduced energy charges (32.88%) and debt relief for farmers (25.68%).

The most popular achievements by the opposition are the monitoring of the government’s performance openness (51.29%), moving the digital wallet scheme forward (27.74%) and flood relief efforts (20.97%).