Abac Poll Research Centre said Surayud had fallen to a current approval rating of 48.2 per cent, down from a November high of 75 per cent.

At the same time, the popularity of former prime minister Thaksin shot to 21.6 per cent from 15.8 per cent.

Thaksin's decision to "retire" from politics was backed by 64.2 per cent of respondents. But, 9.8 per cent disagreed with his decision and 26 per cent had no comment.

Surprisingly, more than 60 per cent of respondents from Thaksin's stronghold in the Northeast agreed it was time for him to bow out. A 20.2 per cent Northeast sample disagreed and the rest had no comment.

Asked if Thaksin should return to Thailand, 44.8 per cent said no, 19.9 per cent yes and 35.3 declined to answer.

The New Year's Eve Bangkok bombs have created insecurity with 69 per cent of those living in the capital worried about their safety while 68 per cent of Northeast people are concerned as are 67.6 per cent of those living in Central provinces.

The survey quizzed 4,334 respondents in 18 provinces across the country between January 20 and February 3.

Poll centre director Dr Noppadon Kannika believed Surayud had fallen in popularity because the government and Council for National Security had failed to initiate bureaucratic reform.

"The military style of administration does not work. They have to repeatedly stress what work they want done,'' he said.

He added Surayud should conduct spot checks on bureaucrats.

"But, Cabinet members like formality and having bureaucrats welcome them when they visit. Their close aides are starting to act like influential figures,'' he said.