July 06, 2008

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Thailand are content with the performance of Samak Sundaravej, according to a poll by ABAC. 52 per cent of respondents support the prime minister, while 40.6 per cent oppose him.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Thailand are content with the performance of Samak Sundaravej, according to a poll by ABAC. 52 per cent of respondents support the prime minister, while 40.6 per cent oppose him.

After two years of political instability—which included the dissolution of the lower house, a cancelled national election, a military coup, and the enactment of a new constitution—Thailand held a legislative ballot in December 2007. Final results gave the People’s Power Party (PPP) 232 of the 480 seats at stake, followed by the opposition Democratic Party (PP) with 165 mandates.

In January 2008, the House of Representatives chose PPP leader Samak as prime minister. Samak defeated PP leader Abhisit Vejjajiva in a 310-163 vote. The PPP-led coalition government includes the Thais United National Development Party, the Neutral Democratic Party, the Royalist People’s Party, the Thai Nation Party, and For the Motherland.

On Feb. 18, Samak unveiled his government’s 19 priorities for the next term, including several promises of debt relief, low-interest loans and other economic measures to assist low-income Thais. The prime minister declared: "It is a government priority to enhance the grassroots economy so they have the potential to earn more and pay less."

On Jun. 27, Samak’s government survived a no-confidence motion in a 280-162 vote. Samak and his ministers were accused by the opposition of mishandling the government. PP members were calling for a major cabinet shuffle, which Samak rejected.

Finance minister Surapong Suebwonglee commented on the motion’s outcome, saying, "The result of today’s vote will make government more confident, and the prime minister and the cabinet ministers can go on working. The debate will show that we rely on parliament to solve our problems, and it will improve the political atmosphere."

Polling Data

Do you support or oppose Thai prime minister Samak Sundaravej?

Support	52.0%
Oppose	40.6%
No opinion	7.4%

Source: Assumption University of Thailand (ABAC)
Methodology: Interviews with 5,453 Thai adults in 18 provinces, conducted in June 2008. Margin of error is 2 per cent.