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.