The survey by the Bangkok University showed that government of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont scored only 5.27 out of 10 for its overall performance.

Last wee, Assumption university released a survey result which showed support for the government had been slashed to just 48.5 per cent, compared with 90 per cent it enjoyed before the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok.

The survey by Bangkok University was carried out in the so-called multi-stage sampling among 1,082 respondents in Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan during December 30 to January 4. The survey was carried out on the occasion that the government was reaching its three months old today.

The survey by Bangkok University, which was announced Sunday, found that the Surayud government scored only 5.57 out of 10 scale for its political and administration performance.

On security affairs, the government scored 5.31 out of 10 while it scored 5.24 and 5.23 on foreign affairs and social affairs respectively.

The economic performance was the field the government scored the least, earning only 5.02 out of 10. The government's economic team chief, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devekula, has come under criticism on several issues.

Worse still, the biggest portion of the respondents or 43.1 per cent saw that the country's situation has not changed during the past three months. The survey found that 32 per cent saw that the situation improved while the remaining 24.9 per cent said the situation worsened.

The biggest portion of the respondents or 25.3 per cent saw that the government did not deserve praise for any issue. The second biggest portion or 24.2 per cent saw that the government deserved commendation for its integrity and transparency.

The survey found that 27.3 per cent, or the biggest portion of the respondents, wanted the government to improve in its speed for tackling problems. Another portion of 22.4 per cent saw that the government needed to be decisive and 16.9 per cent said the government should improve its communication with the public.

When asked to name Cabinet members they know least or have rarely heard about their works, most respondents cite the names of Information and Communications Technology Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom (36.2 per cent), Natural Resources and Environment Minister Kasem Sanidwong Na Ayudhaya (35.2 per cent), and Science and Technology Minister Yongyuth Yuthavong (34.3 per cent). Each respondent can name more than one minister.

The Nation