Conducted by Suan Dusit Poll, the survey of 1,037 people aged 20-45 in the central business district found 32 per cent saying a smartphone or mobile is the device that makes life good - especially among women 20-25 years old - followed by television sets with 24 per cent, notebooks/tablets (23 per cent) and music/MP3 players (5 per cent).

Some 24 per cent of respondents said they wanted the government to expand free public WiFi coverage with higher connection speeds.

While 15 per cent of those polled want a nationwide third-generation (3G) wireless network, 14 per cent want more closed-circuit TV for better security, 9 per cent want more road traffic displays and 9 per cent want improved pollution detection.

As for the perfect New Year gift, 27 per cent desire a consumer electronics product, followed by a notebook (23 per cent), a smartphone (22 per cent), a tablet (21 per cent) or a television set (8 per cent).

The poll revealed that 32 per cent want the government to solve economic problems and high living costs, while 16% each want less political corruption and more unity in the country.

The survey also asked respondents about the Asean Economic Community (AEC), with 53 per cent viewing it as a benefit that will create more jobs and 35 per cent expressing a negative view. An additional 12 per cent did not know about the AEC.

Dr Kampanart Tansithabudhkun, a psychiatrist, said the survey reflects common consumer views on technology and communications.

But he warned that people should use technology properly and prudently instead of relying heavily on it, as such a condition could ruin human relationships and bypass critical thinking.

Reports Bangkok Post