BANGKOK, June 16 (Bernama) -- Most residents in the Thai capital support the Assets Examination Committee's decision to freeze the assets of ousted Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife and do not want him to return to Thailand for now, TNA reported based on an opinion poll released Friday.
Assumption University ABAC Poll director Noppadol Kannikar said the survey assessed opinions towards Thailand's political situation and the AEC order freezing assets of the ex-premier and his family members with a random sample of 1,661 persons June 13-14.
The survey showed 80 per cent monitor political news at least once a week. Of this, 16 per cent support the government while 5 per cent do not. The remaining 79 per cent are non-partisan.
Asked which political party they support in the current political situation, 84.7 per cent do not support any party, 9.5 per cent back Thai Rak Thai and 4.4 per cent support the Democrats.
The survey found 97 per cent have monitored news reports on the AEC's freeze on Thaksin and his family's assets while 3 per cent do not.
It showed that well over half -- 56.5 per cent -- support the AEC order, but believe that the committee should more clearly examine sources of funds and allow the case to be investigated fairly.
However, 43.5 per cent disagree, reasoning it might cause divisiveness and believing the funds were obtained honestly.
The poll showed 90 per cent are concerned the assets freeze would lead to a disturbance. Of this, 47.8 per cent view the disturbance would worsen while only 8.4 per cent said it would lessen.
In addition, 54.5 per cent agree that the military and police should jointly operate checkpoints to prevent a widespread demonstration while 10.8 per cent do not.
Asked whether they could accept a declaration of the state of emergency if the demonstrations turn violent, 73.5 per cent said they could while 26.5 per cent could not.
Asked about a possible return to Thailand by Mr. Thaksin, more than half those surveyed said he should not return now, 31.5 per cent said he should wait for a while, until the new government is formed, and 23.7 per cent said he should not return to Thailand because he might be in danger or cause disturbances.
However, 44.8 per cent said he should return immediately because he has the right to do that as a Thai citizen.
Noppadol said the interesting point found in the survey is that almost 95 per cent want all conflicting parties to solve problems by peaceful means because they desire to see law and order in the country and 91.6 per cent want all parties to express views and make any movement in the democratic way without any law-breaking conduct.
As well, 91 per cent want all parties to reduce their bias with each other and 84.7 per cent want them to stop their movement.
Thai political poll.
Amazing, isn't it?
The middle class in BKK are polled and we get these result.
The uneducated are clamoring for their money to come to BKK and protest.
Either way, this country is a shambles.
I make that statement as objectively as possible.
BTW, ALL journalists have already been ordered to stay away from that Park in BKK tonight. I think it was from 6pm yesterday to Sunday morning.
The world's watching.
The middle class in BKK are polled and we get these result.
The uneducated are clamoring for their money to come to BKK and protest.
Either way, this country is a shambles.
I make that statement as objectively as possible.
BTW, ALL journalists have already been ordered to stay away from that Park in BKK tonight. I think it was from 6pm yesterday to Sunday morning.
The world's watching.
Steveg,
You know as well as I that Thais are not exactly given the opportunity to talk about things. Discuss anything? Forget it.
My wife, who's hungover, has retreated to the bedroom. Only because I was asking some difficult political questions.
They are interested, but they are not exactly encouraged to voice their opinions.
You know as well as I that Thais are not exactly given the opportunity to talk about things. Discuss anything? Forget it.
My wife, who's hungover, has retreated to the bedroom. Only because I was asking some difficult political questions.
They are interested, but they are not exactly encouraged to voice their opinions.
One of the things that has surprised me is how the Thais up in Issan are much more open about politics. When I’m up in the village I’ve found more interest than I’ve ever come across in Hua Hin, I think the farmers now know that after the Thaksin era, as long as you have a fair election, they are going to control who is in power. They have more interest in these matters than a lot of people give them credit for.
Elections have been very corrupt in rural areas, but what I learnt was that in the end nearly all the parties were handing out money so it didn’t have so much of an effect on the result.
The main reason Thaksin had so much support was more to do with his policies on agricultural product prices, which had a big direct effect on the rural population. Obviously that is indirectly buying votes, but that is how politics work the world over.
Elections have been very corrupt in rural areas, but what I learnt was that in the end nearly all the parties were handing out money so it didn’t have so much of an effect on the result.
The main reason Thaksin had so much support was more to do with his policies on agricultural product prices, which had a big direct effect on the rural population. Obviously that is indirectly buying votes, but that is how politics work the world over.
You are right about the Government guaranteed agricultural prices, but another most popular move was the 30 Baht hospital treatment plan + the new highway between Saraburi and Nakon Ratchashima (Khorat).
No, we farangs didn't like TRT for obvious reasons, but a lot of the former socialist-infested North East Thailand gained quite a lot with the TRT party in the driver's seat.
I think this is the main reason why TRT has a strong foothold in Issan.
They saw their country part moved forward under the leadership of that arrogant Mr. T.
No, we farangs didn't like TRT for obvious reasons, but a lot of the former socialist-infested North East Thailand gained quite a lot with the TRT party in the driver's seat.
I think this is the main reason why TRT has a strong foothold in Issan.
They saw their country part moved forward under the leadership of that arrogant Mr. T.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.
I'm going to light the blue touch paper and stand back.
Can't disagree with you steveg and Norseman re the policies of Thaksin. They were popular and won votes. However, other than the 30 Baht health care system, which of his promises came true? One/two water buffaloes per farm.? A laptop computer per how ever many schoolchildren? Plus the main mandate (and I was here when he first came to power) to stamp out corruption. How many big people were prosecuted? I seem to remember exactly zero.
Those are the false promises and I seriously hope that the 30 Baht healthcare system keeps going. However, until the more well off Thais realise their responsibilities and pay tax, I'm afraid I expect it to go in a couple of years.
As for the "lefties", well I never knew they were in a stronghold in Issan. As far as they're concerned, I don't think you have to look any further afield than Pratchuabkirikhan. The army were wiping communists out in Sam Rai Yod as recently as 15 years ago. That's why Thaksin and TRT never win here.
Can't disagree with you steveg and Norseman re the policies of Thaksin. They were popular and won votes. However, other than the 30 Baht health care system, which of his promises came true? One/two water buffaloes per farm.? A laptop computer per how ever many schoolchildren? Plus the main mandate (and I was here when he first came to power) to stamp out corruption. How many big people were prosecuted? I seem to remember exactly zero.
Those are the false promises and I seriously hope that the 30 Baht healthcare system keeps going. However, until the more well off Thais realise their responsibilities and pay tax, I'm afraid I expect it to go in a couple of years.
As for the "lefties", well I never knew they were in a stronghold in Issan. As far as they're concerned, I don't think you have to look any further afield than Pratchuabkirikhan. The army were wiping communists out in Sam Rai Yod as recently as 15 years ago. That's why Thaksin and TRT never win here.
I wouldn’t even attempt to defend Thaksin, as you say he failed to deliver on many issues. I think the main effect that he has had on Thailand is to show that the rural population can make a difference on the political scene. From now on any party that fails to take them into account will not get into power.
And before he is completely removed from the political scene, lets not forget that if his supporters are quick enough they could form a new party, get into power on TRT’s voter base and then overturn every decision that the CNS has made since they took power on the basis of the fact that they seized power unconstitutionally.
Of course at the moment they are busy rewriting the constitution to defend themselves from that, but two people can play at that game.
And before he is completely removed from the political scene, lets not forget that if his supporters are quick enough they could form a new party, get into power on TRT’s voter base and then overturn every decision that the CNS has made since they took power on the basis of the fact that they seized power unconstitutionally.
Of course at the moment they are busy rewriting the constitution to defend themselves from that, but two people can play at that game.
The communists in Issan was strongly influenced by the Pahtet Lao and North Vietnamese commies during and after the Vietnam War.lomuamart wrote: As for the "lefties", well I never knew they were in a stronghold in Issan.
A little cut and paste from an aticle about the US Air Force in Thailand during the war:
USAF aircraft from Thai bases flew missions against Communist Terrorists in Thailand itself, Laos, Cambodia, and both North and South Vietnam. The aircraft missions were varied in nature running from purely offensive bombing operations to Tactical Airlift Supply Operations throughout the area. Thai National pilots also helped fly some missions against the Communists. Joint USAF/Thai operations helped soundly defeat Communist Terrorists operating in Thailand.
The Communists in Thailand were supported by Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laotian Communists. Both The People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Soviet Union provided major support to the Communists. Most of the weapons used had either Chinese or Russian markings on them. Most Communist Terrorist activity in Thailand was centered in the Northeastern Region using propaganda, intimidation, and murder against innocent villagers.
USAF planes were shot down in Thailand, and sapper (commando) attacks against our bases occurred. Plaques and monuments honoring the airmen Killed in Action (KIA) and Missing in Action (MIA) were kept on the bases. Also, the USAF in Thailand helped in the evacuation and treatment of wounded soldiers.
Just for info.
I intend to live forever - so far so good.