An opinion survey conducted by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University -- the Suan Dusit Poll -- has revealed that drought is the number one news item currently occupying the public interest, followed by student protests.
The poll was carried out between June 29 and June 4 on 1,468 people throughout the country to find out the issues to which they pay the most attention.
The 10 issues currently in the news in their interest are:
- Photo gallery: Road collapse blamed on drought
No.1 — the ongoing drought, which has had a considerable impact on the country's economy as well as on the industrial, agricultural and other sectors.
No.2 — the student protests, which have sparked political stirrings that affect the image of the government and the country. The respondents want to know the truth behind these activities.
No.3 — high prices of goods, which affect daily life and livelihoods. They want the government, particularly the Commerce Ministry, to solve the problem as soon as possible.
No.4 — the draft constitution. Thais want the country to be peaceful and properous without quarrels. They want democracy to return as soon as possible so that the people can enjoy equal rights and liberties.
No.5 — the murder of business tycoon Somyos Suthangkura.
No.6 — is news on an election. People believe that with an election democracy will return to the country and they will be able to elect politicians they like to parliament.
The other news items the people are interested in are Greece's debt situation, theft and robbery, the problem between Siam Commercial Bank and some universities, and the country's public debt.
