Bangkok: A recent poll reveals that a significant majority of the public, 68.1%, do not support the military assuming the role of Prime Minister, emphasizing their belief that the military should focus on maintaining peace and security.

According to Thai News Agency, the Pacific Institute of Management conducted a survey on August 22, 2015, involving 1,500 participants from various regions. The survey sought opinions on the “role and duties of the military and their suitability for the position of Prime Minister.” Respondents overwhelmingly disagreed with the idea of a soldier becoming Prime Minister, with 68.1% expressing strong disapproval, 27.6% remaining unsure, and only 4.3% strongly agreeing.

Respondents were also questioned on what they perceived to be the primary duties of the military. The responses highlighted cooperating with international organizations in security and peacekeeping (19.9%), protecting national sovereignty and security from external threats (19%), maintaining peace and order within the country (18.7%), assisting citizens in times of disaster or emergency (11%), supporting democratic and constitutional government (10.7%), preventing and suppressing terrorism and security threats (9.1%), supporting economic, social, and cultural missions (7.9%), and supporting the development of the country’s infrastructure (1.7%).

Additionally, the survey explored public opinion on whether the military and democracy can coexist. A majority indicated that coexistence is possible if the military reduces its power (36%), while others offered a balanced response (29.1%), a natural response (22.1%), or had no opinion (12.8%).