In the heart of Bangkok, where pedestrians capture the city’s vibrant skyline from towering skywalks, a more grounded concern looms large among Thai citizens. A recent opinion survey reveals widespread doubts about the stability of Thailand’s coalition government, casting a shadow over the political landscape just months after its formation. Conducted by Super Poll from Mahidol University’s Faculty of Public Health, the findings underscore a public grappling with uncertainty amid pressing economic and social challenges.
Survey Reveals Deep-Seated Doubts
Between April 24 and 26, 2025, Super Poll surveyed 1,148 respondents across Thailand to gauge public sentiment on the coalition government’s future. The results, announced on April 28, paint a picture of skepticism. When asked about their confidence in the coalition’s stability over the next three months, a significant portion of respondents expressed doubts, reflecting a lack of faith in the alliance’s ability to navigate the country’s complex political terrain. While exact percentages were not disclosed in initial reports, the overarching trend suggests a populace wary of potential fractures within the governing coalition. 
Political analysts note that such skepticism is not unfounded. Thailand’s history of coalition governments has often been marked by infighting and abrupt dissolutions, driven by ideological differences and competing interests among coalition partners. The current government, a fragile alliance of multiple parties, faces similar risks as it attempts to balance diverse agendas while addressing urgent national issues.
Political Stability Versus Everyday Concerns
Super Poll’s survey also explored public interest in the coalition’s stability compared to more immediate concerns such as the cost of living, electricity, and tap water bills. While political stability remains a topic of discussion, early indications suggest that many Thais are more preoccupied with economic pressures that directly impact their daily lives. Rising utility costs and inflation have strained households across the country, particularly in urban centers like Bangkok, where the cost of living continues to climb.
“People are worried about paying their bills, not just about who’s in power” said a local vendor in Bangkok’s bustling Chatuchak Market. This sentiment echoes a broader frustration among citizens who feel that political instability, while concerning, often takes a backseat to tangible economic hardships. For many, the coalition’s ability to deliver on promises of economic relief will be the true test of its staying power.
A Fragile Coalition Under Scrutiny
The current coalition government, formed after protracted negotiations following the last general election, comprises parties with divergent priorities, ranging from economic reform to regional development. While the alliance was initially hailed as a necessary compromise to avoid political deadlock, its stability has been questioned from the outset. Analysts point to recent disagreements over budget allocations and policy priorities as potential flashpoints that could destabilize the coalition.
Dr. Somchai Prasert, a political scientist at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the challenges ahead. “Coalition governments in Thailand have a history of fragility, especially when economic conditions are tough” he said. “If the public perceives that this government cannot address their immediate needs, confidence will erode further, potentially leading to protests or calls for new elections.”
Adding to the uncertainty is the broader regional context. Thailand’s neighbors, including Malaysia and Cambodia, have faced their own political upheavals in recent years, often with economic consequences that spill across borders. For Thai policymakers, maintaining stability is not just a domestic imperative but also a means of ensuring the country remains a reliable partner in Southeast Asia’s economic and diplomatic networks.
Economic Pressures Amplify Political Risks
Beyond the survey’s focus on political stability, Thailand’s economic challenges loom large as a contributing factor to public discontent. Inflation, driven by global supply chain disruptions and local policy missteps, has pushed up the prices of essential goods. In rural areas, farmers struggle with fluctuating crop prices, while urban workers face stagnant wages against a backdrop of rising costs. The government’s response—subsidies for electricity and water bills—has been met with mixed reactions, with many citizens arguing that these measures are insufficient or poorly targeted.
For instance, a proposed subsidy of 2,000 Thai Baht (US$56) per household for electricity costs has been criticized as a short-term fix that fails to address systemic issues in energy pricing. “It’s a bandage, not a solution” said Nattapong Srisuk, a small business owner in Bangkok. His frustration is shared by many who feel that the coalition’s economic policies lack the depth needed to tackle entrenched problems.
Economists warn that if the government cannot stabilize both its internal dynamics and the national economy, public dissatisfaction could manifest in more direct ways. Thailand has a history of mass protests, often triggered by economic grievances and perceived political incompetence. The 2014 coup, which followed years of political turmoil, remains a stark reminder of how quickly instability can escalate.
Public Sentiment and the Path Forward
The Super Poll survey also hints at a deeper disconnect between the government and the electorate. While interest in political stability varies across demographics—urban, educated respondents tend to follow political developments more closely than rural communities—the overall mood suggests a public fatigued by years of political volatility. Many Thais express a desire for governance that prioritizes results over partisan squabbles, a tall order for a coalition already strained by internal divisions.
Public sentiment on social media platforms like X reflects this frustration. Posts from Thai users often juxtapose images of daily struggles—long queues at subsidized food markets, for instance—with pointed critiques of government inaction. While these online conversations are not a scientific measure of opinion, they underscore the urgency with which many Thais view their economic and political circumstances.
Looking ahead, the coalition faces a critical window to rebuild public trust. Key upcoming decisions, including the national budget for the next fiscal year and potential reforms to utility pricing, will likely serve as litmus tests for its effectiveness. If the government can demonstrate unity and deliver measurable improvements, it may yet defy the skepticism captured in Super Poll’s findings. However, failure to do so could embolden opposition movements or even fracture the coalition from within.
Regional Implications of Thai Instability
Thailand’s political stability carries implications beyond its borders. As a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the country plays a pivotal role in regional trade and security agreements. Instability in Bangkok could disrupt ASEAN’s efforts to present a unified front on issues like the South China Sea disputes or economic integration. Neighboring countries, particularly Laos and Cambodia, rely on Thailand as a trade hub, and any political crisis could have ripple effects on cross-border commerce.
Moreover, foreign investors, who have long viewed Thailand as a gateway to Southeast Asia, may grow wary if political uncertainty persists. The tourism sector, a cornerstone of the Thai economy, is particularly vulnerable to perceptions of instability. While the kingdom welcomed millions of visitors in 2024, with Bangkok’s skywalks and temples serving as iconic backdrops, sustained political unrest could deter future travelers.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Thailand navigates this period of uncertainty, the coalition government stands at a crossroads. The Super Poll survey is a stark reminder that public confidence is not guaranteed, even for a government born of compromise. With economic challenges mounting and political fault lines deepening, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether this coalition can defy historical precedent and chart a stable course forward.
For now, the streets of Bangkok remain a microcosm of the nation’s broader tensions—vibrant and bustling, yet underpinned by a quiet unease. As policymakers debate in parliamentary halls, ordinary Thais watch closely, hoping for a government that can weather the storm and deliver the stability they crave.
