Capital new year wishes
The New Year present most Bangkokians want from the government is a halt to the southern violence as soon as possible, according to a survey released yesterday.
In the poll - conducted among 1,400 Bangkokians on December 17 and 18 - 30.2 per cent of respondents chose an end to the unrest in the southern provinces as what they wanted most from the government, while 21.2 per cent said the present they most wanted was a solution to economic problems and a higher living standard.About 8 per cent wanted corrupt people and officials to be cracked down on clearly and quickly, according to the findings of the Dhurakijpundit poll. The poll also found that many Bangkokians (27.4 per cent) planned to mark the New Year holiday by giving alms to monks, while 20.9 per cent planned to go upcountry, 18.2 per cent planned to visit relatives and 17.9 per cent would eat out with family and friends. Only 11.5 per cent planned to stay at home. On average, the capital's residents plan to spend about Bt5,530 per person during the festive holidays. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was the politician most respondents wanted to give a New Year present to, followed by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and Democrat Party chief adviser Chuan Leekpai. Actor Jesadaporn Phondee and actress Phatcharapha Chaichue were the most popular celebrities people wanted to give presents to. Most respondents said they also wanted to give New Year presents to weightlifter Pawina Thongsuk, a gold medallist at the recent Asian Games.
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