#Volunteering

Acts of kindness are not only good for those on the receiving end—they may be a life-changing secret to well-being for the giver, according to new research from the 2025 World Happiness Report and a surge of scientific studies over the past decade (CNBC). The findings, relevant for every society—especially in times of lingering post-pandemic uncertainty—show that benevolent acts such as volunteering, donating, and helping strangers are consistently linked to higher life satisfaction, improved mental and physical health, and even longer lives.

Recent findings from the 2025 World Happiness Report, supported by a wide body of wellbeing research, suggest that everyday acts of kindness can meaningfully improve health and life satisfaction. For Thai communities rooted in nam jai — the spirit of generosity — these insights reinforce a cultural strength while pointing to new avenues for public well-being and social cohesion.

Across the globe, people who volunteer, donate, or help strangers report higher levels of happiness, better mental health, and even longer lives. The World Happiness Report 2025 notes that believing in the kindness of others can predict greater personal happiness than income increases and can offset hardships such as unemployment or illness. In Thailand, where community ties run deep through traditions like meritorious giving and temple-based support, these findings resonate strongly and invite broader, more deliberate engagement.

In times of stress and uncertainty, a rising tide of evidence is showing that the simple act of helping others—through volunteering—can be a powerful medicine for one’s own mental health. Recent research and expert commentary highlight that those who dedicate time to volunteering not only improve their communities but also experience significant personal benefits, including lower rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, as well as greater feelings of happiness and life satisfaction. With Mental Health Month recently observed, this growing body of research encourages Thais to look beyond traditional forms of self-care and discover how giving back is, in essence, giving to oneself.

Volunteer work is proving to be a powerful booster for mental health, especially in times of stress and uncertainty. People who give their time to help others report lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, along with greater happiness and life satisfaction. With Mental Health Month recent, Thais are encouraged to see volunteering as a meaningful form of self-care that also strengthens communities.

Thailand’s social fabric—known for nam jai, the spirit of generosity—naturally aligns with the idea that helping others supports personal wellbeing. Across the country, from Chiang Mai to Hat Yai, volunteers underpin disaster relief, temple activities, school programs, and elderly care. Now science is confirming what Thai culture has long valued: giving back can make you stronger, happier, and more resilient. Research from a leading science center notes that volunteering benefits mental health across different ages and life stages.