A huge majority of Thai people agree with the government's policy to use Thai "soft power" as a means of promoting the country's image and spurring the economy, according to a survey by Suan Dusit Rajabhat University, or Suan Dusit Poll.
The poll was conducted online between June 13-16 on 1,066 people throughout the country to gauge their opinions on the policy.
The respondents were allowed to choose more than one answer in the multiple choices given in the questionnaire.
Asked to comment on the "soft power" policy, 78.36% said it would help spur the economy, 77.23% said it would help propagate the many forms of Thainess and 54.94% said it would raise awareness of Thai culture.
Asked which forms of "soft power" should be promoted, 93.79% pointed to tourist attractions, festivals and traditions; 82.58% Thai food and desserts; 73.63% Thai clothing styles, fashions and garments; 71.75% Thai traditional sports and Thai boxing; and 61.49% Thai traditional medicines and massage.
Asked to pick the most important elements of Thai "soft power", 68.23% chose diversity and uniqueness, 61.37% said it reflects Thai culture and way of life; and 58.55% said it is well liked by foreigners.
Asked about problems in implementing the use of "soft power", 86.09% said the government lacks long-term promotional plans; 62.03% cited lack of proper planning, strategy and direction; and 60.15% cited lack of public relations.
Asked whether they thought the use of "soft power" would help spur the Thai economy, 94.56% said "yes" and 5.44% "no".
