The survey, conducted among 1,373 respondents in Bangkok, showed that Surayud's popularity declined from 39.2 per cent in January to 34.8 per cent, while Thaksin's support rose from 23.8 per cent to 28.8 per cent.

Asked if Thaksin should return, 26.9 per cent said he should wait, 22 per cent said he should return after the general election and 15.2 per cent said he should return now, and 35.9 per cent made no comment. The poll also showed that 64.1 per cent did not know the meaning of the term "constitution" and 54.7 per cent do not believe the new constitution would be for the people. However, 71.6 per cent believed the public should get to read the constitution before a referendum was held.

Around 76 per cent said the political situation was deteriorating and 49.4 per cent were not confident the general election would be held before the end of the year, while 36.7 per cent were confident it would go ahead.

Abac Poll Research Centre director Dr Noppadon Kannika said the results showed worrying divides among Bangkok residents, who were the key to the nation's social harmony.

Noppadon said five factors were dividing the public:

First was the government's fruitless attempts to tackle the corruption and irregularities of the Thaksin government. Secondly, the Surayud administration had proved that being honesty alone could not restore peace and well-being, Noppadon said.

Third, the government was losing support through controversial policies like those on social order and alcohol advertising. Fourthly, the government was, like the Thaksin government, attempting to interfere with the media.

And finally, it was failing to crack down on drugs, pornography and the mafia or solve youth problems.