Thailand has been placed as the 58th happiest country globally, moving up two spots from last year, as per the World Happiness Report 2024.
Finland remains the happiest country, with Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, and Israel following closely.
On the other hand, the five least happy countries are Congo, Sierra Leone, Lesotho, Lebanon, and Afghanistan.
The World Happiness Report is created each year to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which is on March 20.th.
The rankings of 143 countries are determined based on GDP per person, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption.
The United Nations established the International Day of Happiness in 2012, to encourage happiness as a universal human aim.
Sasima Phaibool, 38, who has psychosocial disability, mentioned, “Happiness, to me, comes when I am relaxed, free from worries or stress. It’s when I can follow my heart, smile and laugh.”
She also stated that happiness is found in moments she shares with meaningful people, such as close friends, cats, partners, and mom, adding “These moments turn into cherished memories.”
If she remains adaptable in her thoughts and approach to the environment, she won’t feel weighed down by factors beyond her control. Instead, she is able to focus on aspects she can influence, she said.
Kunatch Sirisomboonwech, who has a hearing disability, expressed, “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.”
On the other hand, Thanapat Laohapasert, 25, who has a physical disability, mentioned that the aspect of happiness he values most is relationships, adding “I can’t find happiness by myself, but rely on others. To take part 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.
