A Survey on Public Opinions Regarding Drug Issues in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, 2023

Abstract

This study aims to present the results of a survey on public satisfaction with, and confidence in, addressing drug problems in Bangkok, as well as their fears regarding local drug problems. A questionnaire survey was employed to collect data from 2,711 residents across six district clusters covering both community and non-community areas. The survey revealed that respondents’ overall satisfaction with the management of drug problems in Bangkok was moderate, the average score is 3.22 out of a total of 5, which is below the target score of 3.25. It also indicated that their satisfaction levels were consistently moderate across all aspects, including the capability to implement measures, personnel competency, a sense of security and safety, and trust or positive impressions of the services or assistance provided. The overall level of their confidence in addressing drug problems was also found to be moderate, the average score is 3.10, which is below the target score of 3.25. Their expectations for addressing drug issues were relatively high across all measures, whereas satisfaction with personnel competency remained moderate. Overall, their fear of drug problems was moderate, the average score is 3.04, which is below the target score of 3.75, the goal has been achieved. Their perceptions of personal threats posed by drug problems and their responses to such threats were also rated as moderate. Most respondents had limited direct experience with drug problems, but they were concerned about the potential harm or negative impacts of drug issues, largely due to exposure to news reports on drug-related dangers in society. They also had relatively high expectations for government agencies to take a leading role in addressing drug problems in the local area.