Thais expect political chaos, vote-buying, and election fraud this year: poll

There were a few less pessimistic responses, however. More than half of respondents said the pandemic was either in the past or the worst was over.

The institute surveyed 1,310 Thais by telephone nationwide from January 3 to 6. Respondents were 18 years of age or older. The results of the survey were released on Sunday.

When asked to compare the political situation this year to last year, respondents expected it to be chaotic:

- 45.27% said political chaos would be the same this year as last year.

- 36.11% said political chaos would worsen.

- 10.07% said political chaos would be less severe.

- 7.86% said there would be no political chaos this year.

- 0.69% had no comment.

The respondents were also asked to comment on the upcoming election. They were allowed to provide more than one comment. Most said vote-buying would be commonplace:

- 62.60% said there would be vote buying.

- 36.56% said politicians in power would abuse their authority in campaigns.

- 33.74% said there would be election fraud, but wrongdoers would be brought to justice.

- 29.9% said candidates would spend more than legally allowed by the Election Commission.

- 29.39% said there would be only trivial violations of election laws.

- 20.23% said there would be no vote buying.

Asked whether they think the economic situation will improve this year, respondents said:

- 37.25% said the economic situation would improve.

- 34.51% said there would be no change in the economic situation.

- 28.09% said the economic situation would worsen.

- 0.15% had no comment.

Asked to comment on the Covid-19 situation this year, respondents replied:

- 35.57% said the Covid-19 situation would no longer be worrying.

- 32.06% said the spread of the virus would lessen.

- 19.70% said the rate of new infections would remain the same as last year.

- 12.67% said the pandemic would become more severe.