Most satisfied with Abhisit govt, poll finds

Almost 59 per cent of the respondents said they were satisfied with the government's performance "rather much or much", compared to 9.4 per cent who were "very much" satisfied, the survey by Assumption University's Abac Poll found.

The government rated an average 6.5 out of a best score of 10 by respondents.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was the Cabinet member respondents were most satisfied with, notching up 70 per cent of votes.

He was followed by Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa (56.3 per cent), Education Minister Jurin Laksanawisit (55.9), Science Minister Kalaya Sophonpanich (51.7), Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai (50.4), and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suwit Khunkitti (50.3).

Other Cabinet members who polled acceptably were Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij, who got 48.9 per cent, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul (48.2), Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban (46.5), and Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Pollabutr (45.6).

The survey also found that a large percentage of respondents, ranging from 39 to 44 per cent, said they were unaware certain politicians were in the Cabinet. The 10 "least known" ministers are from all coalition parties, and included Democrat Culture Minister Teera Slukpetch.

The survey was conducted with 1,351 households on Wednesday in 17 provinces in all four regions, including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Surat Thani.

Prime Minister Abhisit said his Cabinet still had room to improve. As for the finding that many ministers were little known by the people surveyed, he said he would soon encourage ministers to prioritise their work and expedite the government's main policies.

Abac Poll chief Noppadon Kannikar said the results showed the need for the government to expedite their work. He noted that while the PM got a high approval rating, only he and five other Cabinet members obtained support of more than 50 per cent.

He said that it appeared the respondents were aware the government was running the country during a difficult time, which explained why they gave the administration a score higher than 5. However, he warned that corruption problems could reduce the government's time in office.