Bangkok: A poll indicates that Thais view the cause of the Thai-Cambodian conflict as the policy of cracking down on call center gangs, and that Prime Minister Hun Sen is creating chaos for his own gain.

According to Thai News Agency, the Pacific Institute of Management revealed that on August 8, 2015, a survey of citizens from all regions was conducted, with 1,500 respondents. The survey asked about the “Thai-Cambodian conflict, including conflicts between the two families.”

When asked about the “main causes of the conflict,” 37.5% of respondents cited Thailand’s policy to suppress call center gangs, 22.4% cited historical border disputes, 21.8% cited intervention by superpowers (the United States/China), 10.7% cited internal political conflicts within Cambodia, and 7.6% cited conflicts between leading Thai and Cambodian families.

When asked further, “Why does Samdech Hun Sen create conflict with Thailand?”, the survey respondents said 45.6% believed it was for his own benefit, 33.5% said he was using the conflict to build popularity in Cambodia, 19.3% said he was interfering in Thai affairs, 0.1% said he was a clever strategist, and 1.5% said he was acting in other ways.

As for “what measures will be taken to end the conflict,” respondents agreed with bilateral negotiations through ASEAN mechanisms (32.9%), an immediate and unconditional ceasefire (26.4%), filing a case with the International Court of Justice or the UN (24.1%), using military force until one side surrenders (16.5%), and had no opinion (1.1%).

The institute conducted a survey to determine the degree of belief in the theory of “the conflict between the two Shinawatra and Hun Sen families.” The majority, 58.1%, believed it was merely political rhetoric. 20.4% believed it partially, as it could be a contributing factor. 11.4% strongly believed it, as there was clear evidence. 10.1% did not know the information.