Almost 54 per cent of respondents said they were not sure if the increased effort for reconciliation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, would satisfy or disappoint them because the situation in the country was still not stable and they needed to wait and watch.

Another 30 per cent said they were satisfied with the reconciliation effort because Prawit was a suitable person and determined, while 16 per cent said they felt disappointed because the conflict was too deep in society and no one would be able to find a solution.

However, more than 73 per cent of respondents agreed that Prawit was the right choice to lead the reconciliation push because he played a major role in government and politics.

More than 80 per cent suggested all stakeholders in the issue forgive one another and reduce their stubbornness for the sake of the country. Some 71 per cent suggested all people involved should participate and exchange opinions, while almost 69 per cent asked for those involved to display determination and fully cooperate.

Asked if all stakeholders should “let bygones be bygones” unconditionally, 57 per cent said yes – reasoning that it would result in all conflicts finally ending. But 27.6 per cent thought there should be a condition: all those involved have to abide by the law and a common agreement. Another 15.3 per cent disagreed with the idea, saying wrongdoers should be prosecuted.

Asked if all stakeholders should “forgive and forget” unconditionally, 74 per cent supported the idea, saying the country could move forward and ensure peace by doing so. Only 3.3 per cent disagreed, saying it would not solve the problem as politicians always played politics and conflict could happen again.

The poll surveyed 1,204 people nationwide between Monday and Friday.

Meanwhile, Defence permanent secretary General Chaichan Changmongkol, who is in charge of the committee facilitating reconciliation, said he was satisfied with his panel’s talks with political parties last week.

More than 70 parties, political groups, and private sector groups will propose ideas on how to promote reconciliation. Chaichan’s panel is scheduled to complete gathering feedback from political groups within three months.

In a related development, another poll showed a decline in satisfaction for the Prayut government’s performance after its two-and-a-half years in office.

A Bangkok Poll conducted by Bangkok University surveyed 1,202 people nationwide between February Tuesday and Thursday.

The poll found that respondents rated the government performance at 5.83 out of 10. The score decreased from 6.19 after two years in office and 5.92 after 18 months in office.

The government’s performance score in each category dropped including security, law enforcement, social issues and quality of life, foreign affairs, and economics.

For Prayut himself, his satisfaction score also declined. Prayut received 7.40 out of 10 after two-and-a-half years in office. His satisfaction rating after two years in office was 7.57. The anti-corruption policy of the government was the most admired policy.