Surayud now more popular than Thaksin
Prime Minister Surayud Chula-nont is now far more popular than his predecessor Thaksin Shinawatra, who has been branded a "disappointment", according to a poll.
Abac Poll Research Centre found government anti-corruption efforts had "demoralised" the pro-Thaksin faction. "The anti-corruption campaign has clearly raised political awareness," Abac Poll director Noppadon Kannikar said yesterday. The survey was conducted on Thursday and Friday, with 1,500 respondents in Bangkok and surrounding areas. It gauged the popularity of politicians and celebrities. Surayud was at the top of 46.6 per cent of respondents' lists. Thaksin was a distant second with 21.3-per-cent support. Council for National Security chairman General Sonthi Boonyaratglin ranked third with 13.9 per cent, followed by Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva at 10.2 per cent. Newly appointed economic envoy Somkid Jatusripitak received marginal votes. A majority 61.7 per cent voted Thaksin the most disappointing politician. Abhisit ranked second with 9.9 per cent, followed by Sonthi with 6.5 per cent, Surayud with 5.9 per cent and Democrat Party secretary-general Suthep Thuagsuban with 5.3 per cent. A significant 64.7 per cent it felt more "let down" by politicians than celebrities. Television star Ann Thongprasom topped the celebrities' popularity list with 17.5 per cent, followed by actor Theeradet Wongpuapan with 11.7 per cent and actress Patcharapa Chaichua at 9 per cent. A majority of 68.1 per cent censured rising teen star Chotiros "Amy" Suriyawong for her revealing gown at an awards presentation ceremony last week. On the top of respondents' wish list was for celebrities to refrain from scanty dresses and for politicians to end corruption.
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