BANGKOK, March 29 (Xinhua) -- A political survey in Thailand on Sunday revealed a decline of public confidence in the government's ability to handle the energy crisis and economic pressure.
The nationwide survey was conducted by Suan Dusit University between March 24 and 27 with a sample of 2,181 respondents. It assessed 25 indicators reflecting public confidence in various aspects of Thai politics, each rated on a 10-point scale.
The sample rated the overall Thai political index for March at an average of 3.89 points, down from 4.30 points in February.
According to the poll, the Ministry of Energy earned the most expectations from the respondents, accounting for 34.20 percent.
The findings reflected the government's administration amid the Middle East crisis, which sent global energy prices surging, said Pornpan Buathong, president of Suan Dusit Poll.
Although the government has stepped up to support vulnerable groups, the overall picture remains more about maintaining stability than addressing systemic issues, Pornpan said, adding that with rapidly rising energy prices, growing public frustration has eroded confidence in government's crisis management. ■