The increase in the nationwide minimum wage and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon's luxury wristwatches lead the top five news issues concerning the country's social, economic and political situation, according to an opinion survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was carried out on Jan 16-20 on 1,189 people throughout the country to compile their opinions on current news items they think affect Thai society.
More than half of the respondents, 54.58%, cited the mininum wage increase, which they said will result in a higher cost of living and affect employers. They suggested the government concentrate more on solving economic problems and increase the minimum wage in only some areas.
A smaller number, 48.02%, pointed to the news about Gen Prawit's luxury watches, saying that it has affected the government's image and showed the lack of transparency on the part of the government. They suggested that the government explain this matter to the public rather than defend Gen Prawit.
About 45% of the respondents cited the news on many university courses being substandard, saying that this reflects problems in the Thai education system. They suggested that the government take action to improve the quality of university courses to restore public confidence in the system.
The fourth news item, mentioned by 32.97% of the respondents, was the use of the ID card stolen from Nicha Kiartthanapaiboon to open bank accounts for a call centre gang operating a romance scam. They said the government should launch a crackdown on these gangs and that banks should carefully conduct security checks before opening an account for a client.
The news on the alleged police involvement in the Victoria Secret massage parlour was singled out by 32.21% of the respondents, who said that the government should eradicate human trafficking and punish police officers involved in wrongdoing.
