Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva tells reporters that many in the opposition are sceptical about Thaksin’s promise to step aside.

Of the 1,137 people surveyed by Abac Poll yesterday, 63.8 per cent said they were satisfied with Thaksin's announcement, 30.1 per cent said they were not satisfied and 6.1 per cent made no comment.

After Thaksin said he would take a break from politics, 46.1 per cent of respondents said they were still worried about the political situation.

Another 29.3 per cent said they were under stress because of the turbulence, and 8.4 per cent said they were experiencing conflicts with family members because of it.

A high 69.1 per cent said they were bored with politics, 87.2 per cent wanted the protests to end and 12.4 per cent said they wanted the protests to continue.

Questioned about the Thai Rak Thai Party's popularity after Thaksin's decision to take a break, 23.7 per cent said they believe it will increase, 15.4 per cent said they think it will drop and 60.9 per cent said they think it will stay at the same level.

Asked if they think the country will become more stable, 22.6 per cent said yes, 31.4 per cent said they thought it would become less stable and 46 per cent thought it would stay the same.

As for the qualities that people said they think the next premier should have, 84.3 per cent said honesty, 75.9 per cent said boldness and decisiveness, 71.3 per cent said the person should be able to accept the opinion of others, and 60.6 per cent said independence.

Regarding which member of the Thai Rak Thai Party is most suitable to take over as prime minister, 46.7 per cent picked Somkid Jatusripitak, followed by Surakiart Sathirathai (23.9 per cent), Chidchai Vanasatidya (18.3), Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan (10.4), and Bhokin Bhalakula (9.2 per cent).

In terms of the policies that should continue to be supported by the new government, 85.3 per cent highlighted drug suppression, 77.3 per cent opted for the Bt30 medical scheme, 77.1 per cent said anti-corruption, 72.5 per cent said suppressing influential figures and 70.4 per cent poverty eradication.

In response to whether the opposition should join the next general election, 71.8 per cent said yes, 14 per cent said no and 14.1 per cent made no comment.

Noppadol Kanika, director of the pollster, said the current situation showed a great leap forward in the country's political development, with the public sector's political voice stronger than ever given that there has been no violence during the protests.

However, he added that hatred and rifts spreading throughout the country could cause problems.