BANGKOK: -- Adultery is the major cause for family break-ups and divorce in Thai society, according to a new survey conducted by Assumption University's ABAC Poll.

Noppadol Kannikar, director of the respected poll, said the survey, conducted among 3,088 people in 18 provinces nationwide between March 25 and April 12, found that over three out of four families -- almost 77 per cent -- and 69 per cent divorced persons agreed that adultery was the number one cause which led to broken families.

Physical attacks, drug addiction, gambling, a lack of responsible attitudes toward the family, and alcoholism are other factors which also bring about family breakups, according to the poll.

Six out of 10 -- or about 60 per cent of the respondents -- said that joining in activities among family members during leisure time, meeting relatives and displaying love to one another would strengthen the family.

The poll was announced on the eve of Thailand's 'Family Day' which takes place on Monday.

Near two-thirds -- about 64 per cent of respondents said that Thai society was no longer generally supportive because today's political leaders are fighting with one another, causing divisiveness in society.

--TNA 2008-04-13