Thai govt faces political threats, mainly from rubber farmers' protest

BANGKOK, September 15 (TNA) - As part of rubber growers, mostly in the Thai South, have rejected the government’s increased financial support and have resumed their rally in the southern Nahon Si Thammarat province since Saturday evening, a latest survey conducted by Assumption University, widely known as ABAC Poll, has found that Thailand's incumbent government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is encountering greater political threats, especially the ongoing rubber farmers' protest, although its popular support remains strong. Dr. Noppadon Kannika, Director of the ABAC Poll, told journalists on Sunday that results of the latest political risk index survey showed that all factors posing political risks against the Pheu Thai Party-led coalition government have risen, with the rubber farmers' protest being the most serious risk factor scoring 8.80 out of 10 points. Dr. Noppadon noted that other rising risk factors against the incumbent government include notorious politicians’ behaviors, rising from 5.29 in May to 7.88 points in September; unfair treatment and political discrimination, increasing from 5.24 to 7.87 points, and rising costs of living, increasing from 4.21 to 7.81 points. The survey also found that the Thai government is facing a new political risk, namely alleged un-neutrality of the Parliament, scoring at 7.75 points. Dr. Noppadon acknowledged, however, that conflicts between the government’s supporters and opponents were not among the top ten risk factors, which include social problems, interference in the government policies, the 2.2 trillion-baht loan bill, the amnesty bill and government’s insufficient communications with the public. Despite all these threats, the ABAC Poll director said the latest survey showed the Yingluck administration still has strong public support, scoring 6.67 out of 10 points, but he suggested the government not to hold the threats for too long. The ABAC Poll was carried out among 2,235 respondents in 17 provinces of all Thai regions, including Bangkok, Khanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Satun, Phuket, Chaiyaphum and Mahasarakham, from September 6-14, 2013. (TNA)