News

A new discussion sparked by a Psychology Today feature questions whether Thai schools, alongside global systems, may overemphasize systematic problem-solving at the expense of creativity. The concern is that rigid, test-driven instruction helps students perform procedures efficiently but may limit divergent thinking and innovative capabilities essential in a fast-changing economy.

In Thailand, the Ministry of Education has long prioritized systematic thinking as a foundation for math and science success. Classrooms often rely on memorization, standardized tests, and formulaic problem-solving rather than open-ended inquiry and collaborative projects. While such methods help achieve solid regional scores, critics argue they can overlook the development of original ideas and flexible thinking needed for entrepreneurship, the arts, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

A new study from a U.S. liberal arts college offers timely lessons for Thai educators and policymakers as Thailand expands digital learning under the “Thailand 4.0” vision. The findings highlight both the transformative potential of technology in schools and the ethical questions that accompany rapid integration.

The research centers on a compulsory course called Computers and Society, which invites students from various disciplines to question the promises and perils of modern computing. Instructors stress the importance of critical thinking and understanding the societal implications of technology, underscoring that digital tools are now ubiquitous and new dilemmas continually arise. This perspective resonates with Thailand’s push for broader digital literacy, even as gaps in access and guidance persist.

A growing number of millennial fathers seek equal parenting responsibilities, but long-standing gender norms and workplace cultures slow progress. The tension between being present at home and meeting professional demands matters for families, companies, and policymakers, including in Thailand where gender roles are evolving.

Data from international research show fathers with children under 18 spend more time on childcare than a generation ago, though the pace of change varies by country. Experts note that many millennial dads view parenting as a core part of their identity, yet workplace expectations can impede these ambitions and create stress for families.

A growing wave of “glow-up” dieting on social media is prompting urgent caution from Thai nutrition professionals. Influencers promote rapid self-improvement through extreme eating patterns, but local and international dietitians warn these trends lack solid science and could harm physical and mental health, especially among youths. Experts urge Thai readers to differentiate helpful tips from risky fads as diet-related illnesses and mental health concerns rise in the country.

Thai audiences increasingly encounter global nutrition trends on platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. While some messages—like eating more fruits and vegetables or reducing added sugar—align with good habits, others promote shortcuts for beauty, weight loss, or detoxification that can be dangerous. The idea of a “glow-up” has become common among urban youth in Thailand, where quick fixes often clash with the country’s tradition of balanced meals and may undermine long-term health and happiness.

In recent years, the hormone oxytocin has attracted widespread scientific attention for its profound influence on human health and happiness. Emerging research highlights practical, research-backed methods for naturally increasing oxytocin — offering Thais new insights into stress reduction, social connection, and overall well-being.

Often referred to as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” oxytocin plays a fundamental role not just in childbirth and maternal bonding but in everyday experiences of trust, empathy, and even physical healing. For Thai readers navigating urban stress, close family ties, and a society in transition, understanding how to unlock the benefits of oxytocin has never been more relevant. The latest research, as summarized in a comprehensive Boston Globe feature, explores both the science and practical daily actions anyone can take.

Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of wondering whether they are “too much” or “not enough”—too sensitive, too quiet, not accomplished enough, not funny enough. Recent research and expert commentary indicate that this persistent sense of emotional limbo is both common and rooted in psychological mechanisms that can be understood and addressed. A recent article published by VegOut Mag captures the inner struggle: after an event or conversation, many people replay their words and actions, second-guessing themselves or feeling like outsiders who can never quite fit in. For Thai readers, who often face strong cultural norms around harmony and social acceptance, these findings have particularly powerful resonance.

New research is shedding light on how the simple act of maintaining eye contact reveals far more about your confidence, self-esteem, and social intelligence than most realize, according to recent psychology findings summarised in a July 2025 report by VegOut Magazine. Drawing from extensive interviews with psychologists and peer-reviewed studies, the article uncovers eight core areas where gaze behavior provides insight into personal assurance, social anxiety, and even intercultural competence, offering practical lessons for Thais navigating workplace, family, and public interactions.

A new in-depth look at the integration of computer technology in education reveals both transformative benefits and complex challenges, offering a fresh perspective for Thai educators and policymakers seeking a balanced approach to digital learning (Lafayette College). The findings, based on a comprehensive classroom study at Lafayette College, showcase how computer science education is being reimagined to foster critical thinking, ethical awareness, and cross-disciplinary dialogue—signaling vital cues for Thailand as it accelerates its national “Thailand 4.0” agenda.

A new study shows that adopted teenagers approach romance and relationships about the same as non-adopted youths. The findings challenge old assumptions about adoption and adolescent adjustment and offer reassurance to families and educators in Thailand and beyond.

In Thailand, attitudes toward adoption are evolving, yet misconceptions linger. Some parents and teachers worry that adopted youths may face emotional or social challenges in dating and intimacy. The latest evidence suggests these fears may be overstated.

A wave of evidence-based guidance is helping people prevent Vitamin B12 deficiency as plant-based eating grows in Thailand. New coverage emphasizes supplementation, careful diet planning, and awareness of symptoms. With growing recognition of B12’s role in nerve health and blood formation, staying informed is vital for Thai families navigating evolving food choices.

Vitamin B12 supports nerve function, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency can cause fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and, in severe cases, irreversible nervous system damage. Rich natural sources include animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Plant-based proteins do not contain B12 unless fortified, prompting growing interest in fortified foods and supplements. This issue is particularly relevant in Thailand, where interest in vegan diets is rising as health, environmental, and ethical considerations gain attention.

A recent study in Physiology & Behavior found that a 30-minute session of chest-deep cold-water immersion at 16°C can lead to larger meals in the hours after. The result matters for fitness enthusiasts and anyone using cold-water therapy as part of wellness routines, a practice rising in popularity in Thailand.

In a small, controlled UK trial, 15 healthy, active adults aged 20–59 experienced three conditions in random order: cold water at 16°C, warm water at 35°C, and a thermoneutral air environment at 26°C. Sessions were conducted at the same time of day with identical pre-trial routines, including a standard breakfast.

A new study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior has revealed that spending just half an hour submerged in cold water can cause people to eat significantly more in the hours that follow—a finding with important implications for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and those pursuing wellness routines involving cold-water therapy. As cold-water immersion grows increasingly popular in Thailand and worldwide, especially for its touted benefits in muscle recovery and mood enhancement, this latest discovery raises new questions about its impact on eating behavior and weight management (PsyPost).

A new study in The Journal of Social Psychology links national narcissism to emotional impairment, showing that people with inflated pride in their country struggle to recognize their own emotions and the emotions of others. This emotional gap is connected to a greater tendency to dehumanize others, including fellow citizens and outsiders.

The findings resonate beyond academia. In Thailand, where social harmony and peaceful coexistence are valued, understanding the emotional roots of nationalist attitudes can guide educators, policymakers, and communities. As debates over identity and global migration continue, these insights support efforts to nurture emotionally intelligent and cohesive societies.

A controversial moment at a baby shower has sparked nationwide discussion about empathy, etiquette, and family dynamics. A host who has faced infertility walked out after the expectant mother reportedly joked about the host’s struggles. The incident, first shared on an online forum and later covered by media, underscores the emotional weight of infertility and the need for sensitive social interactions.

Data from health authorities show infertility affects about 17% of couples of reproductive age worldwide. In Thailand, precise national statistics are limited, but medical professionals connected to the Royal Thai College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists emphasize greater awareness and reduced stigma. In Thai culture, where family continuity and motherhood are highly valued, fertility challenges can bring unique pressures shaped by traditional expectations.

A wave of evidence-based advice is emerging for those keen to avoid Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly as plant-based diets become mainstream globally and in Thailand. According to nutrition experts cited in a new article by The Times, the best preventive strategies focus on supplementation, mindful dietary planning, and vigilance for symptoms—key advice echoed by international research and local trends. With B12 deficiency carrying significant health consequences, especially among older adults and those on vegan or vegetarian diets, understanding new prevention tactics is vital for Thai readers navigating a changing food landscape.

A wave of fresh scientific research is highlighting how simple dietary shifts can transform gut health, with nine powerhouse foods earning attention for their profound impact on the digestive system. These findings, echoed in international health news and supported by emerging clinical studies, offer practical insights for Thais interested in holistic wellness and the rising global trend of gut-friendly eating (Times of India, Everyday Health, Verywell Health). These foods—ranging from raspberries to kefir—are already present in many Thai households or are easily adapted to local cuisine, supporting the national move toward preventive health.

A groundbreaking new study suggests that obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a condition that has long baffled mental health experts, may have roots that extend far beyond the brain—down into the gut. Researchers in China have discovered compelling evidence that the bacteria living in our digestive systems, collectively known as the gut microbiota, could play a direct causal role in the development of OCD. This insight has the potential to reshape our understanding of a disorder that affects up to 3 percent of people worldwide and has proven notoriously difficult to treat effectively (ScienceAlert).

A new study suggests obsessive-compulsive disorder may originate not only in the brain but also in the gut. Researchers in China found evidence that gut bacteria—the microbiome—could play a causal role in OCD. This shifts the conversation about a condition that affects up to 3 percent of people worldwide and has long challenged effective treatment.

For Thai readers, the findings arrive amid growing attention to mental health in Thailand, where OCD care remains largely therapy and medication-based. SSRIs are common, but a substantial portion of patients—roughly one-quarter to two-fifths—do not experience meaningful relief. The new perspective could inspire broader approaches to help patients and families.

A new controversy has erupted in academic circles after investigators uncovered that a group of international researchers embedded secret instructions—so-called “hidden AI prompts”—within preprint manuscripts to influence AI-powered peer review systems toward more favorable feedback. The revelations were detailed in recent reports, following a data-driven exposé that found 17 preprint articles on the arXiv platform with covert commands instructing AI models to deliver only positive reviews, avoid criticism, and even explicitly recommend the work for its novelty and methodological rigor. This manipulation was achieved through invisible white text or minuscule fonts, remaining undetected by human readers but fully readable by AI engines tasked with the review process (Nikkei Asia, ExtremeTech, Japan Times).

A growing chorus of Thai athletes is embracing lesser-known plant-based proteins to boost recovery, endurance, and overall performance. Hemp seeds, spirulina, amaranth, nutritional yeast, and pumpkin seeds are moving beyond tofu and tempeh as core components for Olympic hopefuls, ultramarathoners, and professional fighters. These ingredients are widely available in Thai markets and align with local interest in healthier, meat-alternative options.

Research indicates these proteins offer more than simple meat replacements. Hemp seeds supply all nine essential amino acids, plus omega-3 fatty acids and arginine, which support muscle repair and heart health. Reviews of recent studies suggest that incorporating two to three tablespoons of hemp seeds after workouts can speed recovery and reduce soreness.

A recent incident has ignited considerable public discussion about empathy, etiquette, and the complexity of family dynamics after a woman walked out of a baby shower she had organized, following an insensitive joke from the expectant mother referencing the host’s struggles with infertility. The story, originating from an online forum and reported by Yahoo Lifestyle, has since garnered widespread attention, highlighting the profound emotional impact of infertility and the importance of sensitivity in social interactions.

Recent coverage in Vogue and the latest dermatological studies suggest that vitamin A might be the missing piece for those struggling with dry, brittle strands, itchy scalp, or unexpected hair loss. With experts increasingly linking micronutrient intake to hair health, emerging evidence reveals that vitamin A’s impact on the scalp and follicles could explain everyday hair complaints—an issue with both global and Thai resonance due to shifting nutritional patterns and high humidity levels in the kingdom.

A growing body of research shows how leaders with narcissistic traits respond when confronted with errors. High-profile figures, including former political leaders, often react defensively or aggressively. Findings suggest these patterns reflect broader dynamics in workplaces and governments worldwide, with clear implications for Thailand’s evolving business, public sector, and academic communities.

Narcissistic leaders tend to deny mistakes, blame others, gaslight critics, minimize issues, erupt in anger, withdraw, or cast themselves as victims when errors surface. These responses reflect fragile self-esteem that cannot tolerate personal fault. Understanding these dynamics helps Thai organizations manage risk, preserve trust, and sustain learning as the country modernizes its institutions.

For many Thais struggling to stick with regular exercise, the solution may not be about finding more time or better equipment, but rather choosing physical activities that suit their personality. According to a new study published in Frontiers in Psychology and highlighted by CNN, matching workouts to personality traits can not only make exercise more enjoyable but may also lead to better long-term results.

Historically, the quest for sustaining an active lifestyle has often been met with frustration, as standard health advice tends to promote one-size-fits-all solutions like running, high-intensity workouts, or group fitness classes. But as recent research indicates, these approaches could be counterproductive—especially for people whose natural preferences make such routines actually demotivating. In a society like Thailand, where the fast-paced Bangkok work life and rural traditions collide, this insight sheds new light on the barriers keeping many from regular exercise.