Bangkokians most confident about economy: Survey

The key findings from the survey conducted from August 10-16 were that after the general election in July, confidence in the economy among Bangkok residents was as high as 44 per cent, the highest level since the low of 19 per cent in 2007.

This is due to the belief that trade and income levels will improve based on the government's populist campaign, which promised hikes in the minimum daily wage to Bt300 and minimum monthly salary of Bt15,000 to bachelor's degree holders.

The Market Research Society of Thailand (TMRS) polled 500 respondents living in Greater Bangkok, aged at least 18 and having household income of more than Bt10,000 to study their attitudes on issues that will benefit the whole of society.

Respondents saw some improvements, including better relations with neighbouring countries and greater appeal to foreign investors. But some respondents believed that there would be no progress towards national reconciliation or increase in personal safety or the safety of their property and the economy of the whole country. Several of those surveyed believed that there has been no change in consumer purchasing power so far.

Viriya Worakittkul, president of TMRS, said yesterday that Bangkok residents were most concerned about the balance between their earnings and living costs, which will be affected by the high prices of goods, oil and gas. This was followed by prolonged drug problems, the economic slowdown and traffic congestion.

From a social perspective after the country welcomed its first woman prime minister, the ThaiView survey found that women were more accepted among the public because they were considered more careful, patient, disciplined and self-controlled than men. But their role in the workplace was less than that of men.

However, in terms of purchasing decisions, women had the main role when choosing health products and household goods, while men had a greater role in buying durable goods such as cars, homes, sports equipment, IT products and financial investments.

When it comes to choosing holidays, men and women have an equal say in where they will go.

Bangkok denizens, mainly women, were interested in saving by investing in the stock market and gold, but they lacked sufficient information from companies and organisations.

This would be a good opportunity for related businesses to cash in on this trend, she said.