More than 50 percent of respondents in a latest public opinion poll in Thailand fear that there will be another military coup within the next six months, according to a report released on Sunday.
According to the leading Abac Poll by Assumption University released on Sunday, 55.6 percent of the 3,404 people surveyed believe the military might launch another coup during the next six months to oust the current coalition government led by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, and 54.6 percent fear some unexpected, violent event to occur.
"Only" 53.6 percent of respondents, surveyed from May 6-10, expect the People Power Party leader Samak, who became Thai Prime Minister in early February to lead a six-party coalition government, to stay at the post, a Bangkok Post website quoted the pollster as reporting.
The last military coup the Thai people have witnessed was on Sept. 19, 2006, when the military top brass, led by the then army chief Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, toppled the then Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra when he was out of the country.
Government officials and military leaders have recently repeatedly dismissed "rumors" about an imminent military coup in the country. The Thai government said it was only attempts by political rivals to enkindle social conflicts.
Prime Minister's Office Minister Jakrapob Penkair on Saturday warned state broadcast media, especially those under the control of the Public Relations Department, which the minister supervised, against reporting support for a coup either directly or indirectly, or they would face disciplinary punishment.
Source:Xinhua
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