BANGKOK: -- The lives of families living in the 'City of Angels,' the capital of Thailand are on the brink of critical crises as over half addicted to alcohol, cigarrettes or gambling, according to a survey conducted recently by Assumption University or ABAC Poll.

Family Network Foundation manager Wanchai Boonpracha said his foundation and Assumption University jointly conducted a poll on 'Family Health and Happiness in 2008' among 1,332 people aged from 12-60 years old in Bangkok and suburban areas, in which over 50 per cent of all respondents said "some members of their families" were addicted to alcohol and almost half said that some family members smoke.

Meanwhile, 12.7 per cent said that family members gambled.

According to the survey, the three activities, or additions -- alcohol, smoking and gambling were the habits that most respondents wanted to quit. Just under half -- 45.5 per cent of all respondents were small families having 4-5 members.

Mr. Wanchai said that over a one year period, 30 per cent of the survey group experienced a family conflict which led to fighting, and that one in five, or 21.4 per cent, felt isolated.

Some 42 per cent were stressed because of a family member's behaviour, while 21 per cent said they had considered deserting their families, seven per cent had considered suicide due to family problems, while almost half of the respondents said they wanted love, understanding and support from their family.

Mr. Wanchai said that 42.1 per cent indicated that the lack of liquidity in the family obstructed real happiness, over half hoped that during the next year, the economic situation would be better while, 12.6 per cent believed the situation would get worse.

Dr. Sompong Jitradap from Chulalongkorn University said the problems that small families in Bangkok were facing were the income could not cover basic expenses while there were expenses on alcohol, cigarettes and gambling which led to stress in the families, and a lack of happiness.

The situation would eventually lead to crime related problems, he said, urging the government to have a policy to strengthen family structures.

--TNA 2008-04-09