Department head ML Somchai Chakrabhand said yesterday a 2005 survey concluded most Thais were "generally happy".

It asked 3,340 people nationwide a series of questions to gauge their overall happiness.

They were given choices ranging from "not happy at all" to "very happy".

The questions included levels of satisfaction with their lives and themselves as well as their ability to cope with major setbacks. They were also asked about their capacity to sympathise with those less fortunate and their family situations.

Men had the highest levels with 47 per cent saying they were happy. Only 25 per cent of women could make the same claim. Somchai said women were less content because they had more on their minds, including work and family.

On the regional level, the Northeast was able to shrug off its higher levels of poverty and lead happy lives. Top province there was Maha Sarakham where 39 per cent ticked the "happy" box. Somchai said people from the Northeast focused on caring family ties.

Among the top-10 things making Thais happy were a united family life, financial stability and being debt free. Being close to loved ones and enjoying good health rated highly.

National peace was number five followed by acceptance from one's neighbours and the chance to help others. Rounding out the list were a clean environment, personal safety and a virtuous, moral society.

Somchai noted the most-often-cited reasons for happiness were "emotional" and did not include people's capability to cope with difficulty.

He emphasised happiness resulted from mental strength and other environmental factors.

He said strength could be gained by training. He encouraged people to take part in mind exercises during National Mental Health Week starting on Wednesday.

Somchai added happiness levels had fallen slightly since the last survey in 2003 and cited outside factors such as politics and the economy.

The ministry will repeat the survey next year.