A fresh poll has shown that public opinion is turning against Finance Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, with many respondents saying he should step down for knowingly overstating export growth estimates.
According to results released yesterday by Abac Poll, more than 83% of respondents said the finance minister should take responsibility for his "white lie".
About 66% of those polled said his remark has dented the government's credibility while almost 34% thought it would not do any damage.
Mr Kittiratt claimed that as head of the government's economic team it is sometimes necessary to tell white lies to create confidence.
The vast majority of respondents in the poll, 84%, said Mr Kittiratt's "white lie" reflects a drop in morality and ethical standards of Thai politicians.
About 82% expressed concerns that the finance minister might set a bad example for young people.
The poll was carried out between Aug 27 and Saturday among 2,157 people, aged 18 and over, in 17 provinces.
Poll questions were designed to gauge their opinions on Mr Kittiratt's "white lie" and on the government's plan to test the flood drainage system in Bangkok.
"The Yingluck government may be in trouble," said Noppadon Kannika, director of the Abac Poll.
Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit said the poll reflects public sentiment and it is important for the party to listen.
"This is a lesson we need to learn. Ministers, MPs and politicians need to be careful of their words," he said.
Sukhum Chaleysub, an academic and president of Suan Dusit Poll, said he did not believe that Mr Kittiratt would be removed if there is a cabinet reshuffle. It would not be easy to find a capable person to replace him, Mr Sukhum said.
Besides, he added, Mr Kittiratt is friends with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and he is accepted by ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra. Moreover, the ruling party will resist pressure from the opposition Democrat Party to remove the finance minister.
Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Tanusak Lek-uthai said that the finance minister would clarify export targets to the senate today.
The finance minister yesterday travelled to Narathiwat to visit a group of soldiers who were wounded in bomb explosions on Friday.