Many foreign visitors polled recently agreed that if Thailand is to resolve its persistent political problems all parties should respect the principles of democracy, Abac Poll reported on Thursday.

The Research Office at Assumption University, or Abac Poll, interviewed 969 foreigners visiting Thailand, seeking opinions on Thailand in the eyes of foreigners, between Jan 15 and Jan 30.

Asked about ways to settle the ongoing political conflict in Thailand, 37.4% of the respondents said the principles of the democratic system should be heeded and respected by all sides, said the pollster.

A total of 28.6% of them agreed national unity and reconciliation would help settle the problem, 17.6% said ensuring transparency and suppressing corruption in the government’s budget spending would work.

Only 8.8% of the polled foreigners wanted a change in the government, and 7.6% pointed to constitutional amendment.

Some 56.2% of them said their visit to Thailand was for tourism, 32.3% for business purposes, 21.7% were  seeking investment opportunities, 17.2% were here for convention and other appointment, and 13.9% to visit friends or relatives.

Asked for their strongest impression of Thailand, Thai friendliness and hospitality rated tops  7.11 points on average out of 10, followed by Thai culture (6.99 points), its tourist destinations (6.89 points), and its good environment (6.76 points).

The foreigners gave lesser impression grades to Thailand’s accession to workforce (6.47 points), transparency (5.92 points), and overall political outlook (5.77 points).

As many as 97.1% of them insisted they would come to Thailand again, and 96.7% said they would recommend others to visit Thailand.

Related search: Abac poll, impressions of Thailand, Thai democracy