Thai population generally happy, healthy
The Philips' Index for Health and Well-Being has revealed that Thais are generally well, but the elderly believe they have little control over their health and well-being.
According to the study, most Thais have healthy relationships with friends, family and co-workers, and place less emphasis on worship and community. The Philips Index: Thailand’s Health and Well-Being Report 2011, exploring the perceptions and behaviour of Thais over the age of 18, shows that most people are generally happy, with about 60 per cent them scoring their state of health and well-being as "good" or "very good". However, these positive feelings decline as they reach middle age. However, those above the age of 65 are more inclined to believe they have little control over their overall health. About 55 per cent regard their physical health as "generally good". When taking factors such as job satisfaction, stress and relationships into account, the overall score is higher, with 66 per cent suggesting these elements play an important part.
