The National Statistical Office (NSO) has launched its quick survey policy, hoping to produce accurate results.
The NSO plans to release the first survey results on public satisfaction with government policy on Nov 10, followed by a series of other surveys.
According to Ekapong Rimcharone, director-general of the NSO, the state agency is confident in its network operation and survey capability, driven by data accuracy.
Mr Ekapong, recently appointed to the top post, said some people may think of NIDA or Suan Dusit for public opinion surveys, with the NSO’s primary focus being the census.
“From now on, the NSO is ready to conduct public opinion surveys on various issues,” he said.
The office is ready to conduct door-to-door surveys in every province, resulting in more accurate data, said Mr Ekapong. The NSO is piloting four surveys on government policy.
The office was primarily responsible in the past for compiling statistics on various topics, including the census, employment, average household income, and citizen usage of information and communications technology, for various government agencies, rather than publishing them under its own name.
The NSO’s advantages include accurate and reliable data as the office has staff in every province.
Therefore, the surveys do not rely heavily on telephone or social media analysis, which lower the reliability of the data providers.
“I want to streamline the office’s operations and expand the survey to include public opinions and needs on various issues, similar to the NIDA Poll or other polls that are released quickly based on the current political situation.”
Mr Ekapong said the office is conducting an urgent four-month survey (October-January 2026) under the concept of the quick survey.
The surveys will be conducted monthly on four topics, with the first survey results to be announced on Nov 10 on public opinions on government policies for 2025, conducted in October.
The survey covers topics such as life satisfaction and expectations of government operations.
The other poll, slated for November, will elicit public opinion on government welfare, such as the co-payment plus programme.
The December survey will focus on public needs in 2026 (New Year’s gifts people expect from the government), life satisfaction and key current issues in Thai society.
The January 2026 survey will cover public opinion on government administration in 2026, government performance and satisfaction with government policies.
“With the office’s high-quality data collection, we also aim to volunteer as a government data collector. We may encounter issues with substandard data collection, which prevents data sharing. If there are any unrelated tasks, the office is happy to assist,” Mr Ekapong added.
