Bangkok graded 109 and Rayong 132 in global quality of living survey

Thailand fared only moderately in the latest global survey on quality of living, which saw European cities dominate the worldwide rankings, Mercer's 2008 survey found.

Zurich retained its top spot from last year as the highest ranked city, followed jointly by Vienna, Geneva, Vancouver and Auckland.

In Asia, Singapore climbed two places higher than last year to number 32, while Tokyo maintained its position at 35. Other Asian cities that improved their positions include Shanghai (98) and New Delhi (145).

In the UK, London ranked 38, while the highest entry for the United States was Honolulu at 28.

The cities with the lowest quality of living were Baghdad at 215, followed by African cities such as Bangui, Brazza-ville, Khartoum and Kinshasa. 

The rankings are based on a point index, withcompared to New York as the base city. Bangkok (109) and Rayong/Pattaya (132) kept their rankings from 2007, and improved marginally this year.

The survey identified cities with the highest personal safety ranking based on internal stability, crime, effectiveness of law enforcement and relationships with other countries.

Singapore was the top Asian city for personal safety, followed by several cities in Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, South Korea and Vietnam.

Nichanant Dulsari, at Mercer Thailand, said: "Thailand's poor ranking in personal safety may have stemmed from recent protests over constitutional amendments by Samak Sunda-ravej's government - giving rise to unstable conditions in Thailand's political and social environment."

Jakarta and Manila also fared poorly for personal safety.

Asia Pacific

Auckland (5) ranked the top city in Asia Pacific with the best quality of living, followed by Sydney (10). Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, had the lowest score in the region.

In Asia, Singapore (32) ranked two places higher than in 2007, slightly higher than Japanese cities including Tokyo (35). Hong Kong and Beijing retained their 2007 rankings at 70 and 116.

Bangalore (140) was India's most highly ranked city followed by Mumbai (142). Both have seen a marked improvement this year.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur ranked 75, followed by Taipei (84), Seoul (86), Bangkok (109) and Jakarta (146).

Mercer's study is based on detailed assessments and evaluations of 39 key quality of living determinants, including political, economic and social environments, socio-cultural, health and sanitation, schools and education, public services and transport, and natural environment.

Data was mostly collected in the final quarter of 2007.