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Published on February 22, 2008

Dr Noppadon Kannika, director of the ABAC Social Innovation in Management and Business Analysis, said more than half of 1,404 respondents of Bangkok and outer suburbs surveyed on Wednesday did not offer any comment about the idea to expose the real truth about October 6, 1976. One-third said they did not agree with the idea, while 14 per cent agreed with the move.

Meanwhile, less than half the respondents were satisfied with the policy debate between the government, the opposition and the National Legislative Assembly.

Of respondents who were happy, 35 per cent said they approved of the way the government has come up with a new working style; 25.5 per cent said it had good policies; 11 per cent said the national policy would help remind the government to work honestly; 10 per cent believe they have a willingness to work for the people, while just 9.5 per cent believed they are sincere and trustworthy.

Those dissatisfied with the House debate said it resembled a no-confidence debate with all the arguing.

Around 38 per cent said they disapproved of some parties, 9.6 per cent said each speaker only considered his or her own interests and not the country's, while 8 per cent said the debate was boring and not constructive.

Comparing the approval ratings between Prime Minister Samak Sundaravaj and Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, the latter scored 5.19 out of 10 in terms of being calm and collected, while Samak scored 4.4; Abhisit gained 5 out of 10 for credibility, with Samak receiving 4.9.

However, when asked about their overall view, respondents gave Samak a slightly higher score than Abhisit at 5.4 and 5.3 respectively.

Noppadon said the prime minister's weakness was in staying calm, but his strength had won him public sympathy and understanding. Men were more satisfied with Samak than women, while more women approved of Abhisit than men.

The PM's main supporters are over 50-years old, have a monthly income of less than Bt10,000, and a limited education, while the Opposition leader's supporters were younger, had more income and were better educated.

The Nation