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Mr Samak, who heads the People Power Party (PPP), officially became Thailand's new prime minister on Tuesday. -- PHOTO: AP
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BANGKOK - ABOUT 60 per cent of Thais believe their new government under Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, an ally of deposed premier Thaksin Shinawatra, will collapse within two years, a poll showed on Thursday.
The survey by Assumption University found 58.5 per cent of respondents expected Mr Samak's six-party coalition government would end soon due to a rift among political parties and alleged corruption.
Mr Samak, who heads the People Power Party (PPP), officially became Thailand's new prime minister on Tuesday after stomping to victory in December elections, the first polls since the military ousted Thaksin in September 2006.
He is expected within days to submit his proposed cabinet to King Bhumibol Adulyadej for his endorsement.
The survey showed only 33 per cent of people were confident his government could boost the country's economy, beset by stagnant domestic consumption and depressed business confidence.
Fewer than one in five respondents thought the new government could solve a long-running insurgency in the Muslim-majority south, where more than 2,800 people have been killed since unrest broke out in January 2004.
The university polled 3,506 voters in 27 of Thailand's 76 provinces, including Bangkok, from Jan 20 to 30. -- AFP
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