Govt's popularity hit by Thaksin's phone-in

The government's approval rating sank from 4.31 out of a possible 10 points on October 18 to 3.97, Poll director Noppadon Kannika said yesterday in releasing the survey results.

About 41 per cent of the respondents said they would vote for the Democrat Party in the next election, while 39 per cent would support the ruling People Power Party and former Thai Rak Thai Party MPs in forming the government. The rest said they would opt for other parties.

Meanwhile, out of 10 points, support for the notion of a national government rose from 5.88 to 6.02. Backing for New Politics and civic politics rose to 5.58, from 5.42 on October 18.

As a result of the phonein, 8.4 per cent of the respondents felt more in favour of Thaksin. However, more than 32 per cent disliked Thaksin even more. About 39 per cent still stood by Thaksin just like before and 20 per cent detested Thaksin just the same.

About 49 per cent of respondents, dropping from 56 per cent in the October 27 survey, said Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat was legitimate to be the premier. His grade dropped from a B to C in the rating. About 51 per cent of respondents, rising from 44 per cent last time, said Somchai was not qualified to fill the top post.

About 67 per cent said they believed the phone call aggravated the political situation. The others believed Thaksin's call would make the situation better.

On whether the current time was suitable for the charter amendment, 63 per cent thought it wasn't.

The survey drew 5,416 responses in 18 provinces around the country from November 28.