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Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). A strong majority of participants trust the CSOs. Younger
men and participants in the Southern Region were less trusting.

“At least this [INGOs] is one factor that makes us more careful when we do something.
This also makes relevant agencies more careful.”

- Male, 40+, Central Region

The Media. Few trusted the media, with a focus on the privately-owned media. Many

cited these media outlets a for from profitting controversies without regard for the truth, and are not
held accountable. After competing media outlets create confusion, citizens are left to conduct their
own research to find the truth. Again, these types of media stunts are in stark contrast to the Thai

values of honesty and kindness. Some indicated the media had been intimidated by the government
following the coup, which led to a cascading silence of expression.

“We need to look after ourselves and search for information… before coming to a conclusion.”
- Female, 40+, Western Region

“There are capitalists and oligarchs behind these people, so we don’t trust them to be
sincere to their people.”

- Male, 18-39, Western Region

“Now, anyone can buy the media.”
- Female, 40+, Western Region

3.2.3 Building Trust

In the current environment, citizens project their own ideal values onto the type of person

(or organization) they would be likely to trust. They include characteristics such as:

Listens. Honesty. Sincerity. Generosity. Modest.
Approachable. Follows through. Means what you say.

16 Citizen Attitudes and Priorities
for Strengthening Democracy