The poll, conducted August 18-20, found 45 per cent of the 505 people survey in Bangkok and its outskirts said they were confident about their personal financial situations, up from 33 per cent in the previous survey, conducted from April 7-9.

TMRS president Daranee Charoen-rajapark said the results of the quarterly survey indicated inflationary pressures and rising prices were still at the forefront of Bangkok residents' concerns. However, there was now a pronounced focus on overall individual well-being.

"A significant increase in terms of life needs is that a high 65 per cent of Bangkok residents demand a life full of tranquillity and simplicity, up significantly from 50 per cent in the previous quarterly survey," said Daranee. He added that 67 per cent desired good health compared to 61 per cent last time. Consistently, the number one concern among Bangkok residents is illnesses, with 39 per cent citing this factor compared to only 10 per cent in the previous study.

Clearly, the focus was now on issues that directly impact individuals as opposed to the whole society. Overall concern for the economy and unemployment fell from 43 per cent in the previous survey to 33 per cent this time. And in the latest survey, 31 per cent said their most immediate concerns was to have enough money to live and pay the bills, compared to 19 per cent in the previous poll.

"Bangkokians have changed their mindset as a result of the "sufficiency economy" philosophy advocated by His Majesty the King, which set a guideline for Thais to lead their lives in a stable and sustainable way amid the challenges of globalisation," Daranee said.

He said 98 per cent of Bangkokians interviewed had heard of His Majesty's sufficiency-economy philosophy, with 76 per cent of them claiming to have an understanding of it.

"Sufficiency economy" meant satisfaction with what one has to 52 per cent of respondents, saving and using money in a reasonable manner as opposed to being wasteful and extravagant to 41 per cent, living according to one's means to 24 per cent, and living life with reason and good sense to 19 per cent.

In addition, 80 per cent claimed they applied the sufficiency economy philosophy to some extent in their lives. A high 75 per cent of those surveyed said they spent their money wisely and only bought what was truly necessary, while 37 per cent said they saved money. Those polled said farmers and low-income people would benefit most from application of the philosophy.

Most encouraging, however, were the benefits seen regarding the Sufficiency Economy, which no doubt have had an impact on Bangkokians.

The main benefits of the sufficiency economy cited were more happiness in life (67 per cent), a life free of debt or reduced debt (53 per cent), more savings (47 per cent), a life with less struggle and competition (27 per cent), less stress (25 per cent), and more self pride (25 per cent).

Twenty-three per cent of those polled who also celebrated the 60th anniversary of His Majesty's accession to the throne pledged not to take advantage of others, 17 per cent pledged to work honestly and ethically, 16 per cent said they would steer away from vices like drugs, alcohol and smoking, and 14 per cent said they would strive to be good and think good thoughts.

Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn

The Nation