Thailand: Yingluck flight turns down political tensions

Thousands of people gather at in front of the Supreme Court on August 25 to watch the ruling in former PM Yingluck's rice scheme trial (Source: VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – The disappearance of former Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra prior to the ruling in her rice scheme trial on August 25 has resulted in a reduction of political tensions, according to the latest survey of the country’s National Institution of Development Administration.

The survey was conducted from September 4-8, with the participation of around 1,200 people aged from 18, of whom over 82 percent said that Yingluck’s no-show at the Supreme Court had a positive impact as it had reduced the atmosphere of confrontation between different political sides.

Meanwhile, about 54 percent of the respondents said it would now be easier for the government to control the situation, and nearly 68 percent saw the Yingluck case as an example to discourage others from wrongdoing.

However, respondents also saw some negative impacts, including damage to the country’s image (over 79 percent). As well, 69 percent said the Yingluck case indicated there was no democracy and double standards still existed.

For the Pheu Thai Party, nearly 81 percent expected a change in the party’s leadership, while more than 75 percent thought Pheu Thai will face more trouble canvassing and reduced opportunity to form a government in the upcoming elections.-VNA

VNA