From http://www.lifestyleasia.com/articles/culture_4/readers-digest-trust-survey_4336.htm
Conducted in October 2009, the survey found Dr. Pornthip Rojanasunan to be the most trusted individual in all of Thailand while Doctors were the most trusted group.
Most Trusted Individuals: This survey found that out of 80 individuals Thailand’s renowned forensic pathologist and director of the Forensic Science Institute, Dr. Pornthip Rojanasunan was ranked as the most trusted individual of the year. She was followed by Phra Ajarn Alongkot Dikkapanyo, the head monk at the famous Buddhist AIDS temple, Wat Phra Baht Nam Phu, Dr. Sumet Tantivechakul, secretary general of the Chaipattana Foundation, Phra Promkunaporn (Prayut Payutto) acclaimed spiritual leader and winner of an UNESCO Prize for Peace Education, and Phanya Nirunkul media tycoon who was the fifth most trusted individual.
The rest of the top ten were film director Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol (6), leading banker Banthoon Lamsam (7), social workers Nuannoi Timkul (8) and Suthasinee Noiin (9), and renowned marine environmentalist Dr. Torn Thamrongnawasawat (10).
People trust those who do good deeds for society: The majority of this survey’s top 10 most trusted individuals were people who worked in non-profit organizations and dedicated themselves to helping others. Some of the respondents pointed out that, Dr Pornthip Rojanasunan has worked “dedicatedly and fearlessly to bring justice to our society”.
Other individuals within the top ranks were also highly rated in terms of their dedication to the greater good. For instance, Phra Ajarn Alongkot Dikkapanyo’s work of helping those who suffer from AIDS is selfless and admirable, while Dr Sumet has been admired for his service to the King and his commitment to accelerate awareness of His Majesty the King’s philosophy of sufficiency economy among general public.
When it comes to trust, politicians are the lowest: According to the survey, politics was seen as the least trusted occupation, followed by Psychic or Astrologer and Insurance Agent. The survey also found that Thai respondents trusted security guards more than they trusted law enforcers. In the most trusted profession ranking, security guards were rated one spot higher than police officers.
The Full Lists & Analysis – “Thailand’s Trust Survey 2010” is published in the March 2010 issue of Reader’s Digest Thailand magazine.