Political turmoil in Thailand–Survey shows many citizens want change of guard

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<strong>A survey in Thailand aimed at assessing the country’s mood and opinions on the impact of the current economic situation, has indicated that the crisis could possibly lead to dissolution of the House of Representatives.</strong></p>
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According to <a href="https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/2267083/economic-crisis-could-lead-to-house-dissolution-poll">Bangkok Post</a>, the national survey conducted online by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll, took place between February 14 and 17.</p>
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According to the newspaper report, the respondents “said the crisis had forced them to become thrifty and adjust their spending plans (62.76%); goods prices had risen, resulting in a higher cost of living (60.12%); their earnings had dropped (59.07%); they had to seek loans and go into debt (57.22%); and they had to work harder to get supplementary income (54.58%).”</p>
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Besides, 76.54 per cent of the respondents said the people had lost confidence in the government; 72.41 per cent opined that foreign investors and businessmen had lost confidence and 70.04 per cent felt the crisis had caused the government to come under attack, the report said.</p>
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Meanwhile, Thailand finally opened its doors to foreign tourists. From February 1, vaccinated tourists coming into the country are being allowed quarantine-free entry. However, those travelers who are not fully vaccinated have to quarantine for 10 days.</p>
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Tour operators in the country have appealed to the government to fully reopen and lift all restrictions.</p>
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In a letter, “the groups say they want all entry restrictions ditched, including the Thailand Pass and PCR testing on arrival, and want Covid declared endemic,” Thailand based news website <a href="https://thethaiger.com/?p=447616">Thaiger</a> said.</p>