Thai politics unstable for next 6 months:Poll

BANGKOK, June 25 (TNA) - Most metropolitan Bangkok respondents to a current poll believe that local political uncertainties and infighting between politicians intensify in the next six months.

The ABAC Poll conducted by Assumption University's ABAC Poll Centre queried 1,143 people living in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces during June 23-25 finding that two-thirds -- 66.6 per cent -- believed that there was still no stability in Thai politics while almost one in four -- 24.1 per cent, disagreed.

Nearly half of those polled - 46.8 per cent -- also believe that conflicts between politicians would become more fierce in the next six months while one-third -- 33.9 per cent -- said political squabbling would remain unchanged.

Only one in 20 persons -- 5.2 per cent -- are optimistic that political infighting would lessen.

On an overall picture of social, economy and political activitiy in the next six months, nearly 60 per cent of the respondents said the landscape would remain the same, 7.9 per cent thought it will improve and 21.3 per cent believe it will deteriorate.

When asked who would be most suitable to run and solve problems prevailing in the country, two-thirds -- 65.3 per cent indicated Privy Council chairman Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, a former prime minister, followed by caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra with 11.8 per cent and 8.2 per cent for former interior minister and public moralist Purachai Piamsomboon.

However, Mr. Thaksin ranked first in ranking the most knowledgeable and efficient person to solve the country's problems. Neraly half of the respondents -- 46.9 percent -- voted for him while Somkid Jatusripitak, deputy prime minister and commerce minister, came second with 21.8 per cent and Gen. Prem was third with 15.3 per cent.

TNA