Pubdate: Mon, 19 Jul 2004 Source: Bangkok Post (Thailand) Copyright: The Post Publishing Public Co., Ltd. 2004 Contact: http://www.bangkokpost.co.th/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/39 WAR ON DRUGS A WINNER, BUT BATTLING GRAFT RATED HARDER The public has little confidence the government can tackle corruption in the next six months, but is more than happy with its war on drugs, according to a recent poll. Assumption University surveyed 4,817 people in 25 provinces between July 2-27. The survey found 60% of respondents did not believe the government could end the corruption plaguing the country before its term ends officially in mid-February. Asked which government initiatives they were most satisfied with, 94% said the war on illicit drugs. Second came the One Tambon One Product scheme, favoured by 90%. Asked to pick events which eroded faith in the government of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, 63% said rising fuel prices, 55% rising prices of goods, 53% unrest in the deep South and 37% mismanagement at TV channels 5 and 11. The survey found Mr Thaksin was still popular with people from all regions, except those in the South, a Democrat party stronghold. By region, his approval rating was 67% in the North, 65% in Bangkok, 61% in the Northeast, 59% in the Central Plains and 42% in the South. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin