The survey, held between June 15-19, polled 2,471 people.

More than 61% said they did not know the election date while 12% gave the wrong date.

Nearly 65% said the BMA needs to be more active in promoting public awareness on the election.

While more than 75% agreed that it was a citizen's duty to vote, only 31.7% said they would exercise their right. Nearly 37% said they did not want to go while the rest said they were not sure whether they would make it.

Almost 80% said they had thought of not going to the poll and 57% said they did not feel guilty for not voting.

Nearly 60% of respondents said they did not care if they were punished. About 52% said they would give tips to the Election Council about vote-buying.

Seven politicians have declared they will contest the poll. They are Apirak Kosayodhin, of the Democrats, Karun Chandrangsu, who resigned as a Thai Rak Thai MP, Pirapong Thanompongpan of the defunct Palang Dharma Party, Pavena Hongsakula, who quit Chart Pattana party to run as an independent candidate, massage parlour tycoon Chuvit Kamolvisit, Chalerm Yubamrung of Muan Chon party, and Tawatchai Sajjakul, former Thai Rak Thai MP.

Governor Samak Sundaravej has declined to say whether he will seek another term.