10-14-2007, 04:36 PM
Quote:Thailand's gross domestic happiness index (GDHI) in September this year rose to 5.94 points from the 5.02 points registered in July on a scale of 10 points, according to a recent survey conducted by the Assumption University Abac Poll.
But last month's GDHI declined from the 6.30 points scored a year ago when the military toppled the elected government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in a bloodless coup, according to Abac Poll director Noppadol Kannikar.
Inquiries were made of 4,885 people in 21 provinces nationwide.
According to Mr Noppadol, the latest survey indicated that happiness among Thais declined in almost every sector when compared to September 2006.
For example, social justice retreated to 5.47 from 5.80 points and the situation is expected to worsen if interim Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont cannot prove that he had acquired his land in a northeastern province legally.
He said the poll also showed that only 4.7 per cent of Thais were free of problems while the rest continued to live in varied states of unhappiness.
The image of the present government was among few positive factors in the survey. The people's happiness towards the government rose to 4.88 points in September from 3.74 points in July after Gen Surayud reaffirmed that the election would certainly be held late this year. (TNA)