Thai public finds government crackdown on Shinawatra supporters acceptable

Bangkok, Apr. 19 (ANI): The general public has approved Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government's quelling of last weekend's rioting in Bangkok. The latest ABAC public opinion poll says that a majority of the people feels it was done in a transparent manner.

According to the Bangkok Post, the poll showed 74.9 percent of the people questioned thought the riot control measures that were imposed were acceptable. Only 25.1 percent did not think so.

Friday's survey covered 1,439 households in 17 provinces, including Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Chiang Mai, Chon Buri, Chachoengsao, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Ranong, Phatthalung and Surat Thani.

It reported that 64.8 percent of those polled believe that most of the red-shirt demonstrators were genuine in their call for democracy and social justice.

Only a small portion of the protesters favored violence and aggression, while 35.2 percent did not think they were honest.

Also, 73.2 percent said they were certain riot control troops did not kill any people and that the deaths, if any, were caused by rioters themselves.

The poll found 85.1 percent of the respondents believed unity among most people remained intact and Thailand remained a compassionate society.

However, 66.5 percent expressed concern the government, police, the military and local administrative officials would be inconsistent in their approach to resolve the country's social conflicts. (ANI)