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Published on October 8, 2007

The Abac Poll Research Centre survey found 54.4 per cent of respondents wanted Surayud to remain in office until after the election even if he was found to have built on a national park in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Just 15.3 per cent want him to resign if found to be in the wrong. The rest gave no opinion on the matter.

A group of 44.8 per cent disagreed prime ministers should be toppled on ethical technicalities and 15.5 per cent agreed. A significant 39.7 per cent had no opinion.

More then 45 per cent said there would be more political trouble and conflict if Surayud decided to quit, while 23.1 per cent thought the election would be postponed and 15.6 per cent thought it would affect the economy.

A group of 13.1 per cent said foreigners would lose confidence in Thailand if the prime minister left office.

The questions were directed at 1,456 residents of Bangkok and its satellite provinces between Thursday and Saturday last week.

Surayud has been accused of gaining a land plot inside a national park while he was serving in the Army.

The issue is expected to be raised during the upcoming censure debate against him and his government by the National Legislative Assembly.