Thailand risks losing its smile as happiness ranking slumps
Thailand’s status as the Land of Smiles is under threat as a new global happiness ranking places the nation far from the top, raising concerns about the country’s well-being.
In the latest World Happiness Report, Thailand landed at No. 49 worldwide, an improvement of five places from last year, but still trailing behind Singapore and Vietnam in Southeast Asia.
At the top of the list, Finland continues to reign as the happiest country on Earth for the eighth consecutive year. Meanwhile, the United States has plummeted to No. 24, marking its worst ranking yet.
The report, released to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Happiness on March 20, reveals a worrying trend in many countries. In the US and parts of Europe, declining happiness and social trust have fuelled political divides, with more people turning against the system.
On a more positive note, research suggests that people are kinder than they assume. John Helliwell, a founding editor of the report and economics professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia, says realising this could boost happiness levels.
“People’s fellow citizens are better than they think they are, and to realise that will make you happier, of course, but it’ll also change the way you think about your neighbours.”
Helliwell believes that fostering a greater sense of community could significantly enhance happiness.
“You’re more inclined to think of a stranger in the street as simply a friend you haven’t met and not somebody who poses a threat to you.”
The rankings are based on data from Gallup World Poll surveys conducted in more than 140 countries. Participants rate their overall life satisfaction, with rankings determined by averaging scores from the past three years (2022-2024). The report examines six key factors: GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and perceived corruption.
Nordic nations continue to dominate the list, with Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden claiming the top four spots. Norway follows closely at No. 7.
Ilana Ron-Levey, managing director at Gallup, attributes their success to strong social support systems, universal healthcare, and high-quality education.
“Nordic countries like Finland continue to benefit from universally available and high-quality health, education, and social support systems. Inequality of well-being is also low.”
Beyond economic and social systems, Finland’s culture and history contribute to its high ranking. Helliwell points to the country’s unity and resilience, particularly during the 1939-40 Russo-Finnish War, as a foundation for national trust and cooperation.
“They didn’t win that war, but what they did is they came together and realised even against overwhelming power they could do remarkably well.”
Another key factor? A less materialistic mindset.
“These days, focusing on the personal rather than the material is of ever-increasing importance.”
This year’s top ten saw unexpected newcomers from Latin America. Costa Rica (No. 6) and Mexico (No. 10) made their debuts, ranking ahead of economic powerhouses like the US and UK.
According to Ron-Levey, these countries benefit from strong social networks and high confidence in their leaders and institutions.
“Their residents have strong social networks and strong perceptions about the direction of their economy and confidence in leaders and institutions.”
While the US and UK remain in the upper half of the rankings, both have experienced significant declines. The US slipped to No. 24, while the UK, at No. 23, recorded its lowest average life evaluation since 2017.
Young people appear to be driving the downward trend, said Ron-Levey.
“The decline in the US in 2024 was at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives.”
She noted that younger generations report feeling less supported by friends and family, have less freedom in making life choices, and are more pessimistic about their living standards.
Thailand’s slide in happiness rankings highlights areas for improvement. While economic growth plays a role, fostering stronger social connections, reducing corruption, and improving public trust in institutions could boost national happiness.
Helliwell believes that simple changes in mindset could make a difference.
“Look seriously at the people with whom you are working, with whom you are living, who are on your streets, and put on a rosier set of glasses when you’re dealing with them.
“It’ll change your behaviour in traffic. It’ll change your behaviour in political discussions. It’ll change everything.”
The world’s happiest countries in 2025
- Finland
- Denmark
- Iceland
- Sweden
- Netherlands
- Costa Rica
- Norway
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Mexico
And the least happy?
At the bottom of the list, Afghanistan remains the world’s most unhappy country (No. 147), followed by Sierra Leone, Lebanon, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
As Thailand strives to reclaim its title as the Land of Smiles, it may need to take a page from the Nordic playbook: Building stronger communities, fostering trust, and, perhaps, looking beyond material success to find true happiness.
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