Public opinion is divided on whether the authorities' recent seizure of an arms haul, allegedly linked to hardcore red-shirt leader Wuthipong Kochathamkun, alias Kotee, could hurt the government's efforts to forge reconciliation. In its latest survey, the Suan Dusit Poll revealed 37% felt the weapons seizure in Pathum Thani on March 18 might have an adverse impact on reconciliation efforts. Twenty-nine per cent said they were unsure how the confiscation of arms might affect national reconciliation. Asked what the arms seizure case could tell about Thai society, respondents said people remained divided, strict arms control measures were lacking, there was no public safety and more weapons caches were hidden, waiting to be found. The survey also asked if the weapons seizure was a set-up.

Source: Bangkok Post March 26, 2017 22:18 UTC