Thailand

Countries in the "turnaround" range may be particularly prone to instability
Gallup's research reveals a U-shaped relationship between countries' GDPs and residents' likelihood to see their communities as good places for racial and ethnic minorities. Among poorer countries, residents are less likely to feel this way as GDP rises. Among richer countries, the relationship is reversed.

People less likely to volunteer time than donate money, help stranger
People with high civic engagement are positive about the communities where they live and actively give back to them. Gallup data from 130 countries show that, in general, adults in developed countries are much more likely to be civically engaged than those in the developing world.

Many Asians don't have an opinion about leaders in each country
President Barack Obama begins his long-awaited trip to Asia this week, including stops in Indonesia, India, Japan, and South Korea. U.S. leadership garners more approval than the leadership of China and India in 11 of 20 Asian countries Gallup surveyed over the course of the past year.

Personal outlooks on jobs, standard of living declined significantly
Gallup's Personal Economy Index before and after the global economic meltdown in 2008 shows the crisis rippled through everyday lives around the world. Scores fell significantly in 61 out of 96 countries, documenting a decline in economic situations at the personal and community level.

Export-reliant developing economies still trust financial institutions
Developing countries in Asia that derive much of their GDP from exports to the West have been especially hard hit by the global downturn. Even so, citizens in those nations remain confident in their governments and financial institutions.
Gallup Glance Around the Globe

Data-driven insights into coverage of John McCain’s vice presidential pick, Japan’s leadership shuffle, mothers working outside the home, and emergency rule in Thailand.

Regional Director, Asia, Gallup World Poll
Rajesh Srinivasan is a Principal with Gallup and Regional Director, Asia for the Gallup World Poll. For the World Poll Dr. Srinivasan directs the sample design, development of a customized instrument for the region, selection and training of vendors in individual countries, and coordination of the data collection effort across 23 countries.

Most feel interim government not doing enough to restore democracy
Most Thais appear skeptical that their interim military-backed government will give up power as it has promised. Only about a third (34%) feel the interim government is doing enough to restore democracy, while 54% say they are “not at all” confident that fair elections will take place later this year.

On Sept. 19, 2006, Thailand witnessed its 18th coup since World War II. The primary reasons cited for the coup were rampant corruption and abuse of power by the Thaksin administration leading to deep division in the Thai society. A recent Gallup Poll conducted in Thailand prior to the coup provides telling indicators of the potential for upheaval in Thailand, and underscore the power of the measurement of public opinion as an important indicator of the health of the nation's governing system.

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