The poll showed only 11.26 per cent of respondents said politics would be in a better state than last year, while 52.27 per cent saw no change.

Meanwhile, 36.47 per cent said the political situation might be even worse than last year.

Almost 34 per cent said the political scene was boring because it was continual arguments and lacked any balance.

Some 30.07 per cent said powerful figures were aiming to snatch power from each other, while 24.18 per cent said politics today was only concerned with corruption.

Suan Dusit surveyed 3,279 Thai youths between February 1 and February 5. - The Nation.

Lawyer in strife

The Law Society is scrutinising the behaviour of Thaksin Shinawatra's chief legal counsel in Thailand for conduct unbecoming of a lawyer.

The society has accused Noppadon Pattama of "not being neutral".

The chairman of the society's code of conduct, Sitthichok Sricharoen, said lawyers must remain detached. However, Noppadon is becoming a mouthpiece for Thaksin and speaking as if he is Thaksin.

The committee is collecting recordings of Noppadon's news conferences.

Sitthichok said Noppadon would violate society's regulations if he conducted himself in a manner that diminished the dignity of his profession. He can be warned, suspended for a maximum of three years or have his licence withdrawn for up to five years. - The Nation.

New PR team

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has named the members to a government public relations team, a source said yesterday.

The prime ministerial order is dated January 31 and names Prime Minister's Office Minister Thirapat Serirangsan as the team's chairman.

Other members are Prime Minister's Office Minister Prasith Kowilaikul, deputy secretary-general in the Prime Minister's Office Weerachai Weeramethikul, news media academic Seri Wongmontha, Withaya Thorkaew, Somchai Sawaengkarn and Prapan Koonme. - The Nation.