“The Rangsit University Poll was not done in accordance with statistical standards on representative samples,” he said.

The survey, released on Friday, claimed that the 19 million people who had voted for Thaksin in the last general election had dwindled to 10 million who were still loyal to him.

The survey outcome was flawed because while Bangkok residents account for one-sixth of the population they comprised 42 per cent of the sample of respondents, Surapong said.

Polled respondents were lop-sided in order to give weight to the view of urban residents rather than that of the population at large, he said.

Commenting on another survey, the Abac Poll, the government spokesman said the public had not lost trust in the government even though the popularity of Thaksin fell from 58.2 per cent to 34.5 per cent.

“The survey showed the people were confused about the political situation,” he said.

The sagging popularity happened because the people could not choose to side with either the government or its opponents.

But public confidence was intact because the popularity of opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva remained almost unchanged, he said.

Commenting on the political turmoil, business leaders expressed confidence the economy could weather the uncertainty.

Thai Bankers’ Association chairman Chartsiri Sophonpanich saw the political rivalry as nothing unusual in a democracy.

“Diverse views will result in transparency as relevant parties have to check on one another,” he said.

The political storm will pass and the economy should continue to grow for the next two to three years, as Thailand is one of the most attractive destinations for investment in Asia, he said.

Federation of Thai Industries chairman Praphan Bodhivorakhun said foreign investors were not concerned about the domestic political situation.