The study released yesterday found that 90 per cent of the surveyed population had a good understanding of the disease - a sharp increase from last year's figure of only 64 per cent.

However, self-protection practices are flagging. The figure of those with a "good" level of preventive measures this year is only 37 per cent, versus 55 per cent last year.

The survey was conducted from January 27 to February 2 in 12 provinces at risk for avian influenza - Uthai Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri and Angthong.

The survey aimed to measure public opinion in three dimensions - general comments, understanding and self-protection.

The survey shows that 44 per cent of the respondents still fear the disease spreading, 48 per cent worry about catching it and 60 per cent feel confidence in the government's ability to contain the disease.  But 60 per cent said they did not trust that chicken sold on the market is safe from the disease.

Ten per cent would still refuse to reveal necessary information if the disease were detected in their communities.

"Despite this improvement, the monitoring will be continued in the risky areas with good help from our partner, the community," permanent secretary Prat Boonyawong-wiroj said.