Thailand ranks 49th in 2024 World Happiness Report

Thailand has improved its position in the World Happiness Report for 2024, moving up nine places to rank 49th. This makes it the third-happiest country in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Finland remains the happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, while Afghanistan is ranked the least happy. Last year, Thailand was ranked 58th. The report evaluates happiness based on surveys conducted in 147 countries. Respondents rate their happiness on a scale from zero to ten. Thailand received a score of 6.22 in 2024, placing it behind Singapore and Vietnam in the region. Deputy government spokesman Anukul Prueksanusak noted that six factors influenced Thailand's ranking. These include social support, GDP per capita, life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption. He highlighted that Thailand ranked 8th in generosity, indicating strong community support among Thais. Although Thailand placed 81st in GDP per capita, Anukul mentioned that the economic outlook has improved, reflecting greater stability. He views the rise to 49th place as a positive development, but also acknowledged that there are still areas needing improvement to enhance people's lives and happiness in the future.