Smartphones, TVs and notebooks/tablets are the top three technologies that make for happier Bangkokians, says a poll commissioned by LG.
Thunyachate Ekvetchavit (second from right) and Suparang Anuchapreeda (right) from LG Electronics (Thailand) release a poll offering a complete snapshot of Bangkokians’ attitudes towards work and social relationships and their interplay with technology.
Conducted by Suan Dusit Poll, the survey of 1,037 people aged 20-45 in the central business district found 32% saying a smartphone or mobile is the device that makes life good - especially among women 20-25 years old - followed by television sets with 24%, notebooks/tablets (23%) and music/MP3 players (5%).
Some 24% of respondents said they wanted the government to expand free public WiFi coverage with higher connection speeds.
While 15% of those polled want a nationwide third-generation (3G) wireless network, 14% want more closed-circuit TV for better security, 9% want more road traffic displays and 9% want improved pollution detection.
As for the perfect New Year gift, 27% desire a consumer electronics product, followed by a notebook (23%), a smartphone (22%), a tablet (21%) or a television set (8%).
The poll revealed that 32% want the government to solve economic problems and high living costs, while 16% each want less political corruption and more unity in the country.
The survey also asked respondents about the Asean Economic Community (AEC), with 53% viewing it as a benefit that will create more jobs and 35% expressing a negative view. An additional 12% did not know about the AEC.
Dr Kampanart Tansithabudhkun, a psychiatrist, said the survey reflects common consumer views on technology and communications.
But he warned that people should use technology properly and prudently instead of relying heavily on it, as such a condition could ruin human relationships and bypass critical thinking.
Thunyachate Ekvetchavit, the marketing director at LG Electronics (Thailand), said LG commissioned the poll to uncover local attitudes towards technology.
He said LG will focus on smartphones this year to take advantage of stronger demand.
In March, LG and its partner Google Thailand will jointly introduce a new high-end smartphone model, the Nexus 4, to compete directly with Apple's iPhone 5 and Samsung's Galaxy S III.
Mr Thunyachate said LG sees revenue from smartphone sales making up 15% of total revenue in 2013, about the same as last year.
"Our revenue is expected to increase by 15% this year, up from 22 billion baht in 2012," he said, adding that LG plans to highlight 3D TV and smartphones.