Bangkok - Restoration of peace and order in Thailand, particularly in the three violence-plagued southern provinces, was what most people wanted to see in 2008, according to a poll conducted recently by Suan Dusit Poll.
The survey made on 8,367 people between December 10 and 30 found up to 49.36 per cent of total respondents wanted to see peace restored in the country, especially in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.
Some 2,800 people have been killed in the region`s insurgency since violence escalated in January 2004.
Up to 30.45 per cent of respondents wanted the country`s economy to improve in 2008, followed by 20.19 per cent who wanted to see a good prime minister and government in place.
One of the major events bringing most happiness to people in 2007, according to the poll, were His Majesty the King`s recovery from sickness, as 71.12 per cent of respondents agreed.
The general election held on December 23 ranked second in the poll at 20.89 per cent of respondents` answers.
The most popular politicians among respondents were ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra with 47.53 per cent of answers, followed by Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva with 43.28 per cent and former prime minister Chuan Leekpai with 9.19 per cent.
The most popular women politicians among respondents were Paveena Hongsakul, Sudarat Keyuraphan and Janista Liewchalermwong respectively.
Source: www.bangkokpost.com (2 Januari 2008)
