Poll: Intensified Thai political crisis looming

Thailand is re-entering a period of political crisis, Abac Poll director Noppadol Kannikar warned Sunday.

He said the interim government and the Council for National Security should urgently attend to improving the economy and address the concerns widely stated by all sectors of society.

In a rare extended analysis, the head of the respected Assumption University warned both the CNS and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont that time is running out and that the public perceives the country as being in deep crisis.

Mr Noppadol said no positive factor was seen in the country now and the people's patience and good-will was wearing thin in regard to those in power.

The interim government was installed by the CNS after it carried out a widely welcomed coup d'etat overthrowing the elected government of then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra last September 19.

The government and the military council should urgently implement improvements in Thailand's sluggish economy, resolve their differences and carry out the work desired by people, and create a better understanding with the groups or factions that formerly supported them.

Solving the problems would require both the government and the CNS to eradicate corruption among politicians and state officials help the people to earn more money to cope with rising inflation, and improving the community environment.

His remarks were based on results of a survey conducted by ABAC among 4,525 people nationwide between May 10-19.

According to the ABAC survey, 42.9 per cent of the respondents agreed that the country's economy was deteriorating and 37.7 per cent said the economy remained as bad as before.

Over two-thirds of respondents – 67 per cent – said their income and spending were at low level. (TNA)