The political situation could reach crisis levels again if demonstrations return to the streets or if caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra breaks his word and reclaims the top government post, Abac Poll said yesterday.

Of the 1,208 people surveyed - who were allowed to tick more than one box on the questionnaire - almost 64 per cent said the return of rallies could plunge the country into another upheaval.

More than half said they believed the crisis had passed, while 32.5 per cent said it was still brewing.

About 42 per cent said it would be a negative move for Thaksin to return as prime minister after saying he would not accept the post despite his party winning the April 2 election. More than 38 per cent said the arrest of leaders of People's Alliance for Democracy could cause another upheaval.

About 37 per cent said government officials and committees in independent organisations were acting selectively.

Asked to name persons who could lead the country, more than 63 per cent picked Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda as a suitable choice to solve corruption in the country.

About 26 per cent of the respondents chose Thaksin, while about 46 per cent picked caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Somkid Jatusripitak to steer the country's economic course.

Forty-four per cent of those surveyed chose Thaksin to lead the economic programme.

On the question of political reform, more than 59 per cent of respondents said no one was suitable to lead this task.

Some 37 per cent said Thaksin was suitable to head the reforms.

Thai Rak Thai deputy party leader Bhokin Bhalakula received about 33 per cent of the vote.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva received about 30 per cent of the respondents' support.

On the issue of renewing a "social order campaign", former deputy prime minister Purachai Piumsombun was given a 61.3-per-cent backing by the survey as the person to head the campaign.

Assumption University's Abac Poll was conducted last Friday and Saturday in and around the capital.

Director of the poll Noppadon Kannika said the public's faith in politics was not yet fully restored though Songkran had given people a break amid months of tension.