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Dr Noppadol Kannika director of ABAC Academic Network for Community Happiness Observation & Research, (Anchor) said the body carried out a survey from May 2008 on 3,487 respondents in Bangkok and 14 other provinces.

It found that more than 60 per cent of the respondents said they could not say Thai society was peaceful, kind and loving.

About 52 per cent said they are not convinced that Thais detest corrupt government.

In the study, about 90 per cent said despite all that, they would want to be born again as Thais. Reincarnation is part of Buddhist belief.

Asked about a possible trend in violence in the next six months, 66.3 per cent said they feared the chance of violence could grow.

About 72 per cent said they feared that young people may adopt the nasty behaviour of some adults.

About 79 per cent said they believe the violence at the protests was provoked by some groups. They also blamed people with illintentions, incompetent officials, the proesters themselves and sensational media coverage for the violence.

Asked about solutions to the political turmoil, 80 per cent said people should use reason and not emotion to tackle dif¬ferences.

About 75 per cent said both sides need to take a step back to avoid tragic consequences.

About 72.7 per cent said the two sides should show compas¬sion and the ability to forgive.