BANGKOK, 4 March 2012 – ABAC poll indicates that Thais are not as happy as they were before because of the rising cost of living.
According to ABAC Poll director Noppadol Kanikar, the Gross Domestic Happiness (GDH) Index in the recent survey is reduced to 6.42, from 6.66 in January; out of the total score of 10.
The main negative factors are an increase of the cost of living while earning remains the same or lower, and financial insecurity at the level of households. The government is urged to tackle the problems of surging grocery and service prices, making them in line with the people’s income level.
Out of the total 10 points, the GDH score in politics is less than half, standing at 4.35 thanks to the conflict among Thai people over an attempt to amend the charter. Additionally, the score is 4.78 points when asked if to what extent repondents were satisfied with their incomes.
The survey was conducted in 17 provinces among 3,247 respondents aged over 18 during February 20- March 3, 2012.
