Thailand has been ranked as the 58th happiest country in the world, climbing two positions from last year, according to the World Happiness Report 2024.
In ASEAN, Thailand ranks fourth, following Singapore, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Meanwhile, Singapore maintains its status as Asia’s happiest country for the second consecutive year followed by Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Philippines while Thailand ranks seventh.
Finland retains its title as the happiest country, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Israel.
Meanwhile, the five least happy countries are Congo, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
The World Happiness Report is compiled annually to mark the International Day of Happiness, which falls on March 20th.
The rankings of 143 countries worldwide are calculated based on GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption.
The International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations in 2012, to promote happiness as a universal human goal.
Sasima Phaibool, 38, a person with psychosocial disability, said “Happiness, to me, arises when I am at ease, relaxed, free from worries or stress. It’s when I can follow my heart, smile and laugh.”
She said that happiness is also in the moments she share with meaningful people, like close friends, cats, partners and mom, adding “These moments become cherished memories.”
If she remains flexible in both her thoughts and her approach to the environment, she won’t feel burdened by factors beyond her control. Instead, she is able focus on aspects she can influence, she said.
Kunatch Sirisomboonwech, who has a hearing disability, said “I believe happiness isn’t something visible, but rather something felt. I find joy in playing badminton with friends, engaging in games and eating delicious food.”
Meanwhile, Thanapat Laohapasert, 25, who has a physical disability, said that the aspect of happiness he values most is relationships, adding “I can’t find happiness by myself, but rely on others. To engage in activities where happiness can be found, such as going to a concert, I need support from others,” he added.
“If someone accompanies me in activities, I feel supported. We can share our tastes and experiences, doubling the happiness.”
He still finds disability challenging when seeking happiness, he concluded.
