Poll Signals Political Doldrums, Economic Worry

[george]

Poll signals political doldrums, economic worry

BANGKOK: -- A poll has shown that only a plurality -- not a majority -- of Bangkok respondents favour Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra over his arch rival Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the main opposition Democrat Party, for the premiership.

Forty-three per cent of Bangkok residents think that Mr. Thaksin is the best man for the job, while 57 per cent do not think so. But supports of the prime minister nonetheless lead the Democrat favourite by a 3:2 ratio.

The premier's low rating is significantly higher than that of his Democrat party rival's, but the figures might indicated a lack of confidence in the political cast of characters just now.

Significantly over half the respondents -- 53.9 per cent -- are worried about the economy in the year ahead. Despite the political promises being made, they indicated they do not have full confidence in the Thai economy during 2006.

The respondents indicated that Mr. Thaksin is more suitable for the post of prime minister than Mr. Abhisit. The prime minister received a 42.8 per cent vote while the Democrat leader received only 28.1 per cent.

The ABAC poll, conducted by Assumption University Jan 6-7 among 1,251 Bangkok residents aged 18 or over, showed that Mr. Thaksin, head of the ruling Thai Rak Thai Party, easily netted 97.4 per cent for being a knowledgable and competent person, 92.5 per cent for recognition by foreign investors, 91.7 per cent for his ability to make quick decisions, 89.1 per cent on possessing working experience, 88.5 per cent for intelligence, and 51.6 per cent for having a democratic spirit.

Regarding Mr. Abhisit, the respondents awarded him 89.7 per cent for his politeness, 80.7 per cent for his prudence, 80.6 per cent for human relations, 78.2 per cent for his democratic spirit, and 58.9 per cent for his initiative on ideas.

--TNA 2006-01-09