A majority of people believe Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha’s current term as prime minister is probably his last, according to the result of an opinion survey conducted by National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.
The poll was conducted from Sept 6-9 by telephone interviews on 1,310 people aged 18 and over of all levels of education and occupations throughout the country to compile their opinions on the political futures of Gen Prayut, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda — the three former military strongmen currently serving as pillars of the Prayut government.
Asked about the possibility of Gen Prayut being left out as prime minister when the next government is formed, a large majority — 52.59% — said this was possible, with 32.06% saying this was very likely and 30.53% fairly likely.
On the other side, 22.60% said it was totally impossible and 10.84% said the possibility was low that this was his last term.
The rest, 3.97%, had no answer or were not interested.
Concerning the possibility that Gen Prawit is again made prime minister after the next election, a huge majority — 76.79% — said this was impossible or unlikely, with 62.82% saying it was out of the question and 13.97% believing it unlikely. On the other side, 13.51% said this was fairly likely and 4.66% very likely.
The rest, 5.04%, had no answer or were not interested.
Asked whether they thought the three generals — Prayut, Prawit and Anupong — would still have a role in the formation of the government after the next election, a majority — 60.16% — said this was likely and 35.49% unlikely. The rest, 4.35%, had no answer or were not interested.
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