Violent crime rate thought very high - Nida Poll

A majority of people think the violent crime rate in Thailand is now very high, and blame changes in social conditions, the economic slump and low moral standards, according to the result of an opinion survey conducted by National Institute of Development Administration, or Nida Poll.

The poll was carried out on Aug 23-24 on 1,250 people of various levels of education and occupations throughout the country.

The poll defined violent crimes as murders, rapes, thefts, robberies and insurgent activities in the three southern border provinces. 52.32% of respondents said the violent crime rate is now extremely high, due mainly to changes in social conditions, the declining economy and low moral standards; 41.52% said the rate is 'high', and the rest had no comment or were uncertain.

On the causes of violence, almost half of the respondents - 48.80% - blamed changes in economic and social conditions, cultures, lifestyles and technologies; 44.32% cited weakness in the judicial process and law enforcement; 42.72% said declining moral standards were to blame, and 22.32% cited inequality in Thai society.

Asked to suggest possible solutions, a slim majority - 50.40% - named effective law enforcement; 46.16% suggested better parenting skills; 29.68% said people's quality of life must be improved and social disparities narrowed, and 28.96% said people should apply the dharma principles in their daily life.