Finland has ranked as the world's happiest country for the ninth consecutive year in the World Happiness Report 2026, while Thailand dropped from 49th to 52nd place. The report, released by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford on March 19, highlighted that the top three countries were Finland, Iceland, and Denmark. Costa Rica saw significant improvement, climbing to fourth place, the highest among Latin American nations.

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Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands were ranked fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively. Israel, Luxembourg, and Switzerland followed, securing the eighth, ninth, and tenth positions. The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom were ranked 23rd, 25th, and 29th, respectively, with Thailand falling to 52nd.

The report's rankings are derived from Gallup World Poll responses in 147 countries, using the Cantril ladder scale, where participants rate their lives from 0 to 10. This analysis considers GDP per capita, life expectancy, generosity, and perceptions of freedom and corruption, using a three-year average to smooth out disturbances from global events.

The average life satisfaction score for Finland was reported at 7.764. This year’s report emphasized the impact of social media on happiness, especially among people under 25. The findings indicate that the influence of internet use varies across generations, showing a negative correlation for Gen Z, moderate for millennials, neutral for Gen X, and slightly positive for baby boomers.

Jan-Emmanuel De Neve, director of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, explained that social media's impact on wellbeing is contingent upon several factors, including the platforms used and the frequency and intent of usage. While excessive use harms wellbeing, avoiding social media altogether might result in missing certain benefits. He suggested enhancing the social aspects of social media usage to improve wellbeing.

In January, Bangkok was celebrated as the third best city to visit worldwide in The New York Times’ "52 Places to Go in 2026" for its green spaces and vibrant art scene. Separately, Thailand was named the best country for food by Condé Nast Traveller, surpassing Italy and Japan, reported The Thaiger.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 20 Mar 2026

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Those finnish and in general nordic young ladies are real hotties...they love to socialise and get closer after the party. 😜

So the Nordics are 5,6,7 on the happiness scale

But all come on holiday to Thailand at no. 52.

I'm sure that makes perfect sense!

52 minutes ago, Sigmund said:

Those finnish and in general nordic young ladies are real hotties...they love to socialise and get closer after the party. 😜

As a single musician, first in Norway in 1970 at age 22, then over a decade in those Scandi countries, I wholeheartedly agree.

And Vietnam for the perception of freedom is number one for the second times in 3 years...Vietnam the most free country in the world. OK.

In January, Bangkok was celebrated as the third best city to visit worldwide in The New York Times’ "52 Places to Go in 2026" for its green spaces and vibrant art scene.

Yes. Bangkok is known alla around the world for green spaces and vibrant art scenes. Sure !

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

So the Nordics are 5,6,7 on the happiness scale

But all come on holiday to Thailand at no. 52.

I'm sure that makes perfect sense!

No, they are 1,2,3,5,6,7.

Thats ok :-)

Israel comes in at 8th spot.

If people from Nordic countries are so happy, why do so many come to Thailand?

Doesn't take much to keep Canadians happy. Hockey and pot.

Finland faces a significant challenge due to its lack of diversity, and this should be a cause for concern among its citizens. Embracing a broader range of perspectives and cultures can lead to a richer society.

10 hours ago, BritManToo said:

So the Nordics are 5,6,7 on the happiness scale

But all come on holiday to Thailand at no. 52.

I'm sure that makes perfect sense!

And when they are here they are completely out of their minds. As you say, they seem glad to get away!

Oh dear, General Prayut failed to return happiness to the Thai people.

After last month's sham election, one may expect Thailand's ranking to decline further in next years' list.

11 hours ago, save the frogs said:

If people from Nordic countries are so happy, why do so many come to Thailand?

Maybe one of the reasons they are happy is they are able to take vacations in Thailand.

I have to admit to being ashamed for Canada. Imagine coming (just) behind the US! Yeah, I know, it's a Carney. The GST and cost of living in the North are killer, though not nearly as bad as Scandi.