Bangkokians’ favorite activities during Buddhist Lent period: AU Poll

BANGKOK, July 20 (TNA) -- Most people surveyed intend to conduct Buddhism-related activities during the Buddhist Lent period, Assumption University has found from its latest poll. The university conducted the opinion survey on 1,210 people in Bangkok on July 1-10. Of the respondents, 80.40% said they would give alms to monks and visit Buddhist temples for worshipping and Buddhist Lent-related ceremonies, among other Buddhist activities. Other respondents said they would stay home or do activities with family members on holidays related to the Buddhist Lent Day, visit their native provinces and go on vacations. Seventy-one percent of the respondents said their lifestyles would remain the same during the Buddhist Lent period. About 26% said they would refrain from drinking alcohol while others said they would strictly observe Buddhist rules and suspend smoking. About 85% of the respondents said their economic conditions did not change. About 40% wanted the government to seriously campaign against alcoholic drinks and 23% urged the government to ban alcohol sales during the Buddhist Lent period. (TNA)