Most believe mafia control some police, politicians: poll

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 10:14 on September 17, 2023.

Most believe mafia control some police, politicians: poll
Two weeks ago, two bridge police officers were shot in a party at Praween Chankhlai’s home in Nakhom Pathom state. He is now being questioned by officers from the Crime Suppression Division in Bangkok. Around 30 police officers, including many senior officials from counties, attended the party, which he was the local administrator. ( Photo provided )

According to an opinion poll by the National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll, a sizable majority of people think there are some state officials, including officers, who serve and protect mafia-style prominent characters in the nation.

In order to gather their thoughts about relationships between people with” black effect” and state authorities in Thai community, the poll was conducted on September 12 and 14 over the phone with 1, 310 people aged 18 and older from various levels of education, occupations, and wages across the nation.

When asked about mafia-style influential people in their provinces, 49.54 % responded that there aren’t any in the area where they live. 26.34 % pointed to local politicians, 15.9 % kamnan( tambon chiefs ), 6.03 % operators of” shady” businesses, 5.94 % gunmen for hire and gangsters( 4.94 % national-level politicians ), 4.844 % chairs and community committee members, and 0.76 percent members of the media and those in entertainment circles. A more 0.38 percent either didn’t recognize or showed no interest.

When asked if they would dare to disagree with powerful people, 60.30 % responded,” absolutely not ,” 16.34 % said they preferred not to, 12.75 % replied, 9.08 % might possibly, and 1.53 percent either did not know or were not interested.

38.39 % of respondents said” no” when asked if they were certain that state officials or the police would protect and defend them in the event that they encountered a problem or conflict involving powerful individuals. 37.10 % said they are not sure. 13.50 % responded with” high confidence ,” 9.92 % with confidence, and 0.54 percent with no knowledge or lack of interest.

Finally, when asked if they thought some officers and state officials had served as mafia-style important figures’ workers and guardians. 59.77 % of respondents said” yes, for sure ,” 26.49 % moderately, 8.32 % said they didn’t think so but were unsure, 4.35 % said,” no, definitely not ,” and 1.07 percent either did not know or were uninterested.