The GPI, produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace, is the world's leading measure of global peacefulness. It gauges ongoing domestic and international conflict, safety and security in society, and militarisation in 153 countries by taking into account 23 separate indicators. Some of the indicators are;

Well-functioning government; Sound business environment; Equitable distribution ofresources; Acceptance of the rights of others; Good relations with neighbours; Free flow of information; Highlevels of education; Low levels of corruption

Thailand scored a depressing 107 out of 153. Not a very good score when compared to its neighbors; Vietnam- 30, Cambodia-115, Malaysia- 19, Indonesia -68 , China -80. Only Burma with a score of 133 does much worse. There has been some improvement since the last survey, but still, the score does not bode well for inspiring foreign investment confidence.

In 2007 Thailand scored 105 out of 121 and in 2009 it scored 124 out of 149.

The website has a considerable amount of information and is available here http://www.visionofhumanity.org/

The Global Peace Index makes very clear the issues that the political groups in Thailand must confront. Interesting enough, the GPI reinforces many of the somber points discussed/debated in TVF. Thailand really does have its work cut out for it and whatever party is elected, the issues highlighted cannot be ignored.

So, the U.S. is more peaceful at 82 than Thailand at 107?

:cheesy: :cheesy: