Poll: Thai public fears violence if court seizes assets of ousted premier Thaksin

A new survey conducted last week by the reputable Dusit Poll found that less than half of the public has paid close attention to developments regarding the legal resolution of what should be done with the assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.


Only two in five--slightly over 41 per cent of respondents--have closely followed developments of the court which will deliver its verdict later this month on whether the frozen assets of ousted prime minister Thaksin and his family should be seized.

The respondents also fear that violence could occur.

The survey was conducted among 2,241 people in Bangkok and the surrounding provinces from February 9 to 13 with 41.20 per cent of respondents still believing that Mr Thaksin was innocent and violence could take place.



The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions will rule on February 26 whether Bt76.6 billion in frozen assets belonging to Mr Thaksin and his family should be seized. The ex-premier is accused of accumulating the assets by abusing his power while prime minister.

Mr Thaksin was ousted from power in a bloodless coup in September 2006.

Over one-third, almost 36 per cent, said they were uncertain, but believed that it should be handled solely by the judicial system.

< RR - If 41.2% feel he's inocent and 36% are uncertain that means that only 22.8% believe him guilty>

One-third of respondents, 33.3 per cent, said that the best solution is to let the judges decide the case justly. (TNA)