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Published on July 30, 2007

The index is maintained by Assumption University Social Innovation Research Centre.

The survey found the overall happiness index had dropped to just 5.02 points. Out of a possible 10 points, Bangkok residents scored just 3.71, while residents in other areas were happier.

The Northeast scored 5.13, those in Central Thailand recorded a happiness factor of 5.08, while those in the North registered 4.93 and the South 4.33.

In April, the national happiness index stood at 5.11 points.

Centre director Noppadon Kannika said 95.8 per cent of respondents said politics was an important issue. As many as 82 per cent admitted to being worried about the current political situation. Nearly half, or about 46.7 per cent, said it caused stress. Almost 10 per cent said politics caused family conflict.

More than one in every 10 people said politics generated disputes with neighbours and colleagues. "The current situation has made people rather unhappy," Noppadon said, pointing to a political happiness factor of just 2.45 points.

Noppadon said current disillusionment with politics was causedby protests, rallies, and unrest in the deep South.

The survey was conducted between June 15 and July 28 and involved 3,962 people in 20 provinces.