More than 45 per cent of respondents said “it will be difficult” for reconciliation efforts to succeed under the current administration led by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, while another 21 per cent said the efforts “may not succeed”, according to results of the survey.

The survey on reconciliation was conducted by Rajabhat Suan Dusit University’s Suan Dusit Poll involving 1,138 people in all four regions of the country between last Monday to Friday. The results were released yesterday. But about a third of respondents, or 33 per cent, said they thought that reconciliation efforts “may succeed”.

Those who were pessimistic about reconciliation efforts said the political situation had still not improved, with signs of conflict, mud-slinging, and a war of words going on. They also said that problems had accumulated for a long period of time and were unlikely to be solved soon.

Respondents who were hopeful about the efforts said Thai society had become more cooperative with the government in the hope of achieving reconciliation.

As many as 76 per cent of those surveyed said they believed the conflict had developed over a long time and it would take a lot of time to solve the problem.

More than 64 per cent of respondents said they thought unity among Thais had become weaker, with more and more people getting involved in conflict.

When asked why reconciliation was difficult to achieve, 85 per cent of those surveyed said it was because of people’s prejudice and refusal to listen to others. More than 77 per cent said it was because of selfishness and a desire to make personal gains. About 72 per cent blamed it on distortion of information and ignorance.

Meanwhile, PM’s Office Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvard-hana said yesterday that to strengthen the country’s research field, three laws must be amended to help bring about integrated development systems in research.

The National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office, National Research Council of Thailand and the Science and Technology Ministry have together developed an integrated research system in terms of policies, budget management and research operation. In order to help the system come into being, Suwaphan said three laws must be amended to upgrade the country’s potential to compete and strengthen development.

“This is part of national reform in terms of research for social, sciences, technology and innovation,” he said.

Meanwhile Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said that Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha had thanked former prime minister General Chavalit Yongchaiyudh for giving the government moral support and advice to run the country.

“The PM respects opinions from anyone and any organisations, especially if it is from senior military men. The PM has never defamed or put anyone in a bad light. But as PM, he also has the duty to protect the government’s integrity. Anyone giving information that causes misunderstanding about the government, the PM must clarify [details] in an upfront manner,” he said.

Sansern also reacted to the remark of Chavalit’s wife Khunying Pankrua Yongchaiyudh that Prayutdid not show respect to Chavalit. He said military men resort to action and sincerity to prove their respect. “This is more important than sweet talk and acting courteous,” he said.