Thai polls over the military’s role

Main man: Prayut visiting a food court in Bangkok’s Lumphini Park ahead of Sunday’s general election. — AFP

BANGKOK: Pocketbook issues may not sway the outcome of Sunday’s election in Thailand, given the bigger debate among voters over whether they support or oppose the military junta that has ruled the country since a 2014 coup.

Experts say that widespread dissatisfaction, especially among the have-nots, with how the economy is doing may be balanced out by strong support for the junta from wealthier Thais and those who have seen military rule as a welcome respite from the political unrest that has tarnished Thai politics for more than a decade.