Thaksin Most Popular In Abac Poll

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Thaksin still most popular

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva trail deposed leader Thaksin Shinawatra in the latest popularity poll.

The Abac Poll Research Centre put Thaksin's popularity rating at 42.8 per cent, compared with 30.4 per cent and 28.5 per cent for Abhisit and Samak respectively.

In spite of his popularity, half of those polled did not want him playing any role in government. But, 40 per cent did. The remainder had no opinion.

Centre director Noppadon Kannika said when respondents were broken down by political support, Thaksin was the most popular leader among 83.3 per cent of People Power Party voters.

Thaksin's rating among those with higher education was low, Noppadon said, adding that the higher the level of education of a respondent the less fond of Thaksin they became.

Abhisit's popularity increased among those with university education.

Noppadon said Thaksin's popularity was high, but he was yet to win the hearts of everyone. Thaksin still has his critics, he said, and as a result would likely attract unfavourable comments from some, Noppadon added.

He said the survey revealed dangerous signs of social rift.

If nothing is done to address this society could once again become polarised, as it was in 2006.

He said 70 per cent of those questioned had no comment on the transfer of top permanent officials.

Almost seven out of every 10 wants the government to swiftly deal with hardship.

Noppadon said 63.45 per cent was unhappy with government price-control measures, while 33.7 approved.

The poll sampled 3,248 people in 18 provinces on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The Nation