Most Thais expect new Cabinet to fail in tariff talks with Trump: poll

Over half of Thais believe Paetongtarn’s Cabinet will fail to convince Trump to cut US tariffs, according to a Suan Dusit nationwide poll.

Most Thais believe the new Cabinet, led by acting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, will fail to persuade US President Donald Trump to reduce retaliatory tariffs against Thailand, according to an opinion survey.

The poll, titled “New Cabinet and Trump’s Tariffs”, was conducted by Suan Dusit University (Suan Dusit Poll) among 1,191 respondents nationwide from July 8 to 11. The results were released on Sunday.

When asked whether they believed the Thai government would be able to resolve the punitive tariffs imposed by Trump, respondents replied:


50.63%: No
28.97%: Yes
20.4%: Not sure
On whether Trump’s 36% tariffs would affect Thai products, the responses were:


50.04%: Severely
34.76%: Mildly
11.00%: Slightly
4.20%: Not at all


When asked to compare the new Cabinet’s performance with its predecessor, respondents said:


41.56%: Probably worse
35.01%: Still unable to assess
23.43%: Probably better
Asked which policies they wanted the new Cabinet to prioritise (multiple answers allowed), respondents said:


65.41%: Addressing the cost of living and economic issues
52.73%: Supporting the agricultural sector
50.80%: Combating corruption
49.12%: Reforming and developing the education system
48.03%: Reforming and modernising the bureaucracy


When asked what concerned them most about the new Cabinet, respondents replied:


62.97%: Certain ministers have dubious backgrounds or lack capability
60.62%: Internal divisions may undermine the government’s stability
57.35%: The Cabinet does not understand everyday problems facing ordinary people

(2025/07/13-00:00)