Poll: Abhisit leads thaksin in trust

Abac Poll found that the respondents in 17 provinces nationwide feel Abhisit has better control of his emotions than Thaksin, at 74 per cent to 45 per cent.

Abhisit also scored better on morality - 71 per cent to Thaksin's 62 per cent.

On democratic principles, Abhisit beat Thaksin 67 per cent to 52 per cent. For upholding the public's interest and not that of cronies, Abhisit again ranked higher with 65 per cent to Thaksin's 36 per cent. The premier also received more marks than Thaksin for possessing charisma - 65 to 54 per cent. Regarding trustworthiness, Abhisit won 61 per cent to Thaksin's 58 per cent.

The respondents also believe Abhisit adheres to principles more than Thaksin did when dealing with the annual reshuffle of state officials.

Thaksin, however, outperformed Abhisit in competency - 82 per cent to 62 per cent - and communication skills - 68 per cent to 53 per cent. But the prime minister garnered more support for his "better" communication skills with the world community, earning 72 per cent.

The respondents believe Thaksin, more than Abhisit, reaches out to people's hearts, with the predecessor receiving 65 per cent to the incumbent's 51 per cent.

Thaksin was also ahead in management skills with 76 per cent to 40 per cent. Abhisit's speed in solving problems paled behind Thaksin, with 74 per cent to 38 per cent.

Thaksin was seen as wielding more influence over neighbouring countries, 71 per cent to 25 per cent.

Meanwhile, Abhisit said he has called for an investigation into allegations of graft in the sufficiency community project.

"We are checking if the purchases of supplies and materials were in accordance with the wishes of the community and if there was transparency in the procurement process,'' he said. The accusations of irregularities covered only Bt50 million of the Bt5.3 billion budget approved by government, he added.

Pheu Thai Party's MP for Bangkok Anudit Nakhonthap said the party submitted a letter to the premier on Friday questioning the choice of a younger brother of Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu to take full authority to run the project, and asking if the government observed good governance.