BANGKOK, 30 October 2011 – Most city people find the military more efficient than the government when it comes to assisting flood victims, according to the latest survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University.
The survey, which was conducted during October 26-29 with 2,136 people in Bangkok and the vicinity, has found that the respondents mostly did not expect the floods to reach the capital or were not sure if the capital would be swamped due to contradictory information from different agencies.
About 68 percent of the respondents insist on staying at home even if the floods have reached their neighborhood, saying that they are worried about their properties and that the living condition at the evacuation center would not be comfortable.
More than half of the respondents find the announcements from the government confusing and unreliable as the agencies concerned give different information.
With regard to the rescue operation, nearly 85 percent have confidence in the military for their high number of trained soldiers and advanced equipment. The media are ranked second with 80.24 percent of support due to their ability to publicize the situation and mobilize aid. Coming third is the government with 71.11 percent. The poll has also shown that city people sympathize with soldiers most, followed by the premier and the media.
Most respondents find patience to be the most effective remedy for flood-related stress and predict that the crisis should end in mid November.
