News

Abandoned and forgotten places across the globe are experiencing an unlikely revival — as must-see tourist attractions, according to a recent overview by CNBC. Once neglected due to war, natural disasters, industry collapse, or the inexorable passage of time, these evocative spaces are drawing travelers in ever-growing numbers, offering both a thrill and a powerful lesson in history and resilience. The transformation of derelict ruins, shipwrecks, ghost towns, and relics of war into popular travel destinations signals a broader shift in tourism, where fascination with the uncanny and a hunger for unique experiences collide with heritage preservation and community revitalization efforts.

A new worldwide caution from the US State Department is prompting readers to rethink travel plans. Thai travelers should expect that geopolitical tensions, regional instability, and security concerns could influence destinations, routes, and preparations.

Issued in mid-2025, the caution signals elevated risk in several regions. It advises heightened vigilance in volatile areas due to the potential for terrorism, protests, or violence against travelers. The message resonates beyond the United States, affecting travelers of all nationalities, including Thais considering international trips. Regional travel experts note that warnings aim to heighten awareness rather than deter travel outright.

A recent alert issued by the US State Department warning Americans of potential dangers when travelling abroad has sparked a global conversation about travel safety, raising urgent questions for Thai citizens planning international trips. With concerns of geopolitical instability, evolving regional conflicts, and the heightened threat of terrorism, the world’s tourism industry once again finds itself at a crossroads, balancing wanderlust with the need for personal security.

The US State Department’s ‘worldwide caution’ advisory, updated in June 2025, arrives in a period marked by mounting international tensions and an increase in incidents such as politically motivated protests, violent attacks, and travel disruptions in various parts of the world. According to the official alert, Americans are advised to “exercise increased caution” when travelling, especially to volatile regions, due to “the increased potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against US citizens and interests.” This development carries broader implications for travelers of all nationalities, including Thais, who may be considering journeys to affected areas (BBC Travel).

Surveys and real-life stories show grandparents increasingly becoming primary caregivers for young children. The trend highlights pressures on modern families and the tough choices parents face when balancing work, costs, and care.

A notable case involves a grandmother who began helping for a short period but ended up caring for her grandchild for months. Her fatigue and back pain underscored the need for clear boundaries and sustainable arrangements.

This shift is global. In many countries, data show rising reliance on grandparents as childcare costs climb and work patterns change. In the United States, more than 2.7 million grandparents serve as the primary caregivers to their grandchildren, reflecting economic stress, changing family structures, and pandemic-era disruptions.

A rapidly growing body of research and real-world accounts reveal a significant shift in family dynamics worldwide, as more grandparents are stepping into the role of primary caregivers for young children—sometimes from the moment they’re born. This trend, which was recently thrown into sharp relief by a viral family advice story about parents “taking a break” from active childrearing since their baby’s birth, underscores the complex realities and pressures facing modern families today (Slate).

A groundbreaking new study tracking over 540,000 adults for nearly 30 years has ignited alarm across the global health community, revealing a significant link between diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of early death. Published in July 2025 and widely cited by international health experts, the research found that participants consuming the most ultra-processed foods had about a 10% higher risk of dying early, compared to those with the lowest consumption levels. With ultra-processed foods now a staple in many Thai diets, these findings carry urgent implications for national health and daily food choices.

As sunlight in Thailand blazes year-round, questions often arise about how much exposure is necessary to support healthy vitamin D levels. New research and updated guidelines released in 2024–2025 reveal that the answer is more nuanced than previously thought, with recommendations balancing the benefits of vitamin D synthesis against the risks of skin damage. Understanding this balance is crucial for Thai residents, who, despite living in a tropical climate, are not immune to vitamin D deficiency.

In a controversial move set to affect students, parents, and educators alike, Missouri has become the latest US state to introduce a sweeping cell phone ban across all public schools. Signed into law by the governor and effective from the upcoming academic year, Senate Bill 68 prohibits students from possessing their phones on campus during the entire school day—including lunch breaks and time between classes—except in emergencies or for medical needs. This new policy, already practiced by some districts, now becomes mandatory statewide, with school authorities tasked to ensure its enforcement and navigate its consequences for the educational ecosystem.

A new statewide rule in Missouri bans students from carrying cell phones on school grounds for the entire day, including lunch and transitions. The policy, signed into law and set to take effect next academic year, requires schools to enforce the prohibition with exceptions only for emergencies or medical needs. While some districts have already limited phone use, the measure now applies to all public schools across the state.

Proponents argue the ban supports focused learning, safer hallways, and fewer distractions in classrooms. Critics worry about emergencies, parental communication, and broader effects on mental health and social development. The issue resonates beyond Missouri, contributing to a global conversation about smartphone use among youths and its impact on attention, performance, and well-being. Thai educators see relevance for Thai schools grappling with similar concerns.

A growing number of parents and experts worldwide are highlighting that some “normal” parenting rules—long considered standard—may in fact cause lasting emotional damage to children, according to the latest digital debate and emerging scientific research. Recent discussions, sparked by a widely shared BuzzFeed article in July 2025, show how social media communities and mental health professionals increasingly question rules like constant teasing, forced affection, tough love, the suppression of children’s emotions, and respect for hierarchy regardless of mutual respect. Thai families, renowned for their warmth but also shaped by traditional hierarchies, may find these revelations particularly meaningful as the nation grapples with global trends in parenting and mental health.

Aimed at Thai households, eight practical strategies cut mosquito bites and the diseases they spread during Thailand’s rainy season. Grounded in entomology, these tips address dengue, Zika, and chikungunya—ongoing public health concerns in Thailand. Revisions combine insights from pest-control professionals and scientists to help families stay safer in coming months.

Mosquito-borne illnesses have long affected Thailand. Monsoon rains boost Aedes and Anopheles populations, increasing infection risk. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health show dengue remains a significant burden on hospitals and families each year. Understanding bite-prevention strategies is therefore a vital public health priority for Thai readers.

Abandoned places are no longer mere relics of neglect. They are becoming compelling destinations for travelers seeking authenticity, risk, and meaningful lessons from history. A new overview shows derelict ruins, shipwrecks, and former war sites being revived as educational, emotionally resonant experiences. The trend blends heritage preservation with community renewal, turning ghost towns and industrial ruins into purposeful journeys for visitors.

For Thai readers, this global shift mirrors local ambitions to transform neglected spaces into unique attractions. From Europe to the Asia-Pacific, these sites demonstrate how tragedy can be reframed into storytelling that resonates with modern travelers who crave significance, not just scenery.

As the long Thai school holidays approach, a wave of questions arises about the way parents handle everyday misbehavior in young children. A recent discussion ignited by the article “Why shouldn’t we call children ‘naughty’?” from The Spectator challenges the conventional wisdom of using labels like “naughty” to describe children’s bad behavior. The apparent simplicity of the term belies its potential to shape a child’s developing sense of self and influence the way children respond to authority, discipline, and emotional challenges—not just in Western societies but also within Thai families adjusting to modern parenting philosophies.

A long Thai school break is prompting fresh debates on how parents respond to small preschool missteps. The discussion around labeling children as “naughty” has sparked a wider conversation about language, discipline, and a child’s developing sense of self—topics that matter to Thai families navigating modern parenting while honoring traditional values.

Labeling a young child as naughty can do more than momentary shaming. Repeated labels shape self-identity and influence how children respond to authority and regulate emotions. A senior child psychologist notes that internalizing a negative label can lead a child to think “I am bad,” potentially fueling ongoing behavioral challenges. Language, therefore, can influence long-term behavior, not only immediate compliance.

Urban Thais juggle long workdays, traffic, and family life, leaving evenings for exercise. New research and expert insights clarify how timing and intensity affect sleep, offering practical guidance for busy lifestyles in Thailand.

Early guidance warned that vigorous activity late at night disrupts sleep and suggested finishing workouts three hours before bed. Sleep science is evolving, and experts now emphasize that the impact of evening exercise depends on type, intensity, and consistency. The core message: regular activity pattern and overall lifestyle matter more than a single timing rule.

A global conversation questions long-held parenting norms. New research suggests certain familiar practices can harm children’s emotional development. The discussion gained momentum after a widely shared July 2025 BuzzFeed piece, and mental health professionals emphasize moving away from constant teasing, forced affection, harsh discipline, and public shaming. Thai families, known for warmth yet rooted in traditional hierarchies, may find these insights especially relevant as they navigate modern parenting and mental health challenges.

A new study suggests that a straightforward behavioral checklist filled out by caregivers can serve as a reliable, less invasive method to detect childhood maltreatment. The tool, already common in clinics, may help identify at-risk children earlier, enabling timely support and better outcomes. The research, published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry this July, shows the checklist can predict abuse histories with over 90% accuracy, reducing the need for direct questioning of children about potentially traumatic experiences.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that a simple behavioral checklist completed by caregivers could offer an effective, less invasive method to detect childhood maltreatment, promising earlier interventions and improved outcomes for vulnerable children. The research, published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry this July, found that the tool—already widely used in clinical settings—can predict histories of child abuse and neglect with over 90% accuracy, eliminating the need for directly questioning children about potentially traumatic experiences. This breakthrough may fundamentally transform how teachers, doctors, and social workers in Thailand and around the world support at-risk youth, while sidestepping the ethical and psychological pitfalls of traditional trauma assessments.

Thai families celebrate the first loose tooth as a sign of growing up. Yet beneath this milestone lies a deeper change: a real reorganization of the child’s brain that experts describe as a turning point in middle childhood. New research suggests six is a pivotal age for social understanding, emotion regulation, and emerging self-identity. This insight helps Thai parents and teachers support children at home and in school.

In Thailand, growth is often measured by physical signs. Now researchers emphasize that the six-year mark brings a quiet but powerful brain reorganization. Strengthening networks support closer friendships, more complex reasoning, and better decision-making. For educators, this means tailoring learning to children who are capable yet still learning to manage big feelings.

Vitamin D supports bone health, muscle function, and immune response. In Thailand’s sunny climate, it’s tempting to assume everyone easily meets their needs. Yet recent research and updated guidelines from 2024–2025 reveal a more nuanced picture. Thai readers should understand how to balance sun exposure with skin health and practical dietary choices.

The link between Vitamin D and health is well established. Deficiency can contribute to bone disorders in children and adults, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Some evidence also points to weaker muscles and, in older adults, a higher injury risk. Newer studies suggest connections to mental well-being, underscoring the broad importance of adequate Vitamin D levels. Data from public-health authorities highlight the health consequences of deficiency when sun exposure, diet, or absorption are limited.

A journalism educator’s recent firsthand account published in Business Insider is drawing new interest to the practical benefits and cautious optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in classrooms, offering a thoughtful look at how digital tools like ChatGPT can empower teachers while highlighting irreplaceable human aspects of education. The story, based on the experiences of a media ethics and English teacher in the United States, is sparking conversations among Thailand’s educators and policymakers on how best to harness AI’s potential for Thai schools and learners (Business Insider).

A new travel feature spotlights a 14-day Asian cruise from Singapore to Bangkok, stopping in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and other highlights. The journey emphasizes dramatic coastline scenery and cultural landmarks, with Ha Long Bay receiving particular praise for its limestone karsts and caves. The piece also provides practical advice on logistics, safety, and the growing economic opportunities for Southeast Asia, including Thailand, as regional travelers seek immersive experiences.

The itinerary’s extended visits to Vietnam’s major hubs—Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hue, and Ha Long Bay—signal a shift toward slow, culturally rich travel across Asia. Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is celebrated for guided boat excursions and reliable visitor services. Data from UNESCO confirms the area’s outstanding natural value and the infrastructure that supports tourism.

A recent Business Insider feature examines a US journalism educator’s careful, practical view of bringing AI into the classroom. The piece highlights how AI can save prep time and tailor learning, while underscoring that empathy, judgment, and genuine teacher-student connection remain irreplaceable. Thai educators see this as a reminder that AI should support, not replace, effective teaching.

The author, who has taught primary and secondary students, began with skepticism toward tools like ChatGPT. Common concerns—plagiarism, ethics, and overreliance on technology—mirror debates in Thai schools. Over time, she discovered that AI could ease lesson planning, tutoring, and curriculum adaptation, allowing teachers to invest more energy in mentoring students.

A new wave of AI-driven voice impersonation is sweeping Thailand, threatening individuals and institutions alike. Cybersecurity experts warn that fraudsters can create convincing clone voices from public clips and use them to manipulate people into handing over money or sensitive data.

Thailand faces a unique risk. In a country where voice calls and digital verification are common for banking and customer service, AI impersonation could exploit everyday trust. Global cybersecurity briefings indicate that nearly 10% of people have encountered AI voice-clone scams, underscoring the scale of the threat and the need for local safeguards. In Thailand, public reports and industry analyses point to rising incidents and growing demand for consumer education and stronger defenses.