Suan Dusit Poll: Thai Public Prioritizes Aid for Disabled and Disaster Victims in Welfare Survey

Key summary

A Suan Dusit University poll conducted between October 20-23, 2026, surveyed 1,132 people nationwide regarding public welfare. The majority (68.90%) believe the state should prioritize assistance for persons with disabilities and those needing special help, followed by aid for disaster victims (64.93%). Nearly half (48.06%) want universal basic welfare, while 46.29% feel current access to rights is low. Regarding funding, 48.32% suggest cutting or reprioritizing other budgets to increase welfare. Only 47.53% believe current welfare significantly improves living standards, and 39.66% express little confidence in the welfare arrangements of Prime Minister Anutin's government. Dr. Porphan Buathong, President of Suan Dusit Poll, noted that high living costs and an aging society make welfare a necessary guarantee for stability rather than just temporary aid. Dr. Ngamprapan Aesamnuak, Dean of the School of Law and Politics, highlighted that respondents expect resource allocation based on equity and social justice, with similar proportions (62-69%) supporting care for the disabled, disaster victims, the elderly, and public health. The poll reflects a gap between legal rights and practical access, with 61.93% citing low access to welfare and 64.85% lacking confidence in government welfare administration.