News about Ratchanok Intanon becoming the first Thai world No.1 badminton player is the most significant news story that makes the people happy, an opinion survey conducted by Suan Susit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll, says.
Ratchanok is also the first woman in the world to complete a hat-trick of badminton titles after winning the Singapore Open badminton tournament on April 17.
The poll was carried out on 1,286 people throughout the country from April 18-23.
Asked to mention three news items or events which made them happy, 87.09% of the respondents pointed to the news on Ratchanok; 70.75% the government's announcements of long holidays; and, 64.31% on a wage rise, tax restructure and tax waivers for holiday spending.
When asked to name three news items which caused stress, 86.16% of the respondents mentioned the political situation, the draft charter and political rallies; 81.73% pointed to drought, heat and water shortages; and, 79.47% mentioned the economic downturn, high goods prices and low farm prices.
Asked what they think about Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's policy for officials to take tough legal actions in the case of Pheu Thai politician Watana Muangsook, 72.94% said it was intended to maintain law and order. However, 71% cautioned that it brought about criticism and political movement; 58.32% said it could draw criticism from other countries regarding human rights; and, 54.59% said the government and National Council for Peace and Order should be open to public opinion.
Most, or 41.87%, of respondents did not think the detention of Mr Watana would affect the planned charter referendum; 35.33% were uncertain and 22.8% believed it would certainly affect the referendum because some people might see it as a violation of human rights.