Some may be irritated that the country has been under a military administration, whose cabinet is keen on imposing restrictions on speech and assembly, but Thai business leaders feel quite the opposite, saying they are satisfied with the government's performance.
Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said that more than a year into the current government, and particularly under the latest economic team with its rapidly implemented stimulus measures, the weary economy was finally on the right track.
"We're particularly pleased with the performance of the government's latest economic ministers, led by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who are very quick to work out measures to spur the lacklustre economy," Mr Supant said.
"I'd give them at least a 7.5 or 8 out of 10 if you asked me to assess the performance of the current government."
Pornsil Patchrintanakul, an adviser to the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's government had performed satisfactorily in handling economic issues, scoring the government's performance a 7 out of 10.
"Amid myriad negative problems, the incumbent government has tried its utmost to tackle the economic troubles," he said.
"The outcome gauged by economic growth may not be very high due to external and internal factors such as falling exports, soft demand in buying countries and lower competitiveness in the Thai manufacturing sector."
Thanavath Phonvichai, vice-president for research at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, gave a similar assessment, saying the Prayut government's performance had passed a tough trial, be it from the global economic slowdown, the Greek debt crisis, the weakening Chinese economy, escalating terrorism, international conflicts or the widespread domestic drought.
InTouch Holdings executive chairman Somprasong Boonyachai voiced confidence in the government's digital economy policy, saying it would enhance the long-term effectiveness of production and consumption in the country.
The ICT Ministry has demonstrated good intentions in supporting the transformation of the ministry to serve digital economy development, he said.
Most important, Mr Somprasong said the government played an important role in the overwhelming success of the recent 4G spectrum auctions. The sale of the four 4G licences will stimulate the country's economic growth in the long run.
Kasikornbank president Teeranun Srihong said the country's economy had changed significantly since last year's coup thanks to tax tweaks, energy restructuring and the business cluster initiative.
The changes will solidify the country's foundation and benefit the Thai economy over the next three to five years in preparation for sustainable growth in the long run, he said.
If the government can carry out all the policies under its economic reform plan, it will improve the country's potential and competitiveness, Mr Teeranun said, adding that GDP growth could reach its full potential of 5%.
The current growth rate of 3%, considered subpar, is due partly to the country's lack of structural development, he added.
AP Honda director Suchart Arunsaengroj urged the government to keep on with its stimulus measures to raise the incomes of the rural poor and shore up farm prices.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday said the Thai economy was expected to grow by 2.9% in the fourth quarter, boosted by a spate of stimulus measures.
Next year, the government will launch additional measures to stimulate the economy and boost investment, he said.
"Relevant agencies and private companies are jointly considering the amount of money the government needs to inject into each village to raise villagers' earnings, with projects such as community silo and rice mill construction," Mr Somkid said.
He said the agriculture, commerce and industry ministers would implement reforms to improve Thailand's competitiveness.
The restructuring plan should be in place within a year and a half.
"About 100 businessmen have now agreed to join the government in helping each ministry with its restructuring attempts and rural development," Mr Somkid said.
The government will also organise international roadshows in Russia, South Korea and China to boost trade and investment in the coming year.