Expatriate Happiness in Thailand: an Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper seeks to identify and discuss the determinants of and examine their relationship with the happiness of expatriates in Thailand. The questionnaire used was designed to collect information about happiness and life satisfaction, personal background, family ties and social support network, work, health, living conditions, acculturation strategies and cultural awareness, government policies, guiding principles in life, perceived past and future happiness and the happiness of others. Summary happiness statistics reveal that on average expatriates living in Thailand are happy and satisfied with life, with varying scores across life domains. The regression results suggest that age, gender, income aspirations and health are important for happiness, whereas income aspirations, health and being integrated seem to matter most for life satisfaction.