News

The Trump administration’s sweeping move to eliminate the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has sent shockwaves through the global mental health community, raising urgent questions on how political decisions at the heart of developed nations reverberate as far as Thailand and the rest of Southeast Asia. As documented in a sobering opinion piece by Paolo del Vecchio—a mental health advocate and former senior leader at SAMHSA—this U.S. policy shift comes at a precarious time, where suicide is the second leading cause of death among young Americans, substance use deaths top 200,000 annually, and the economic burden of untreated mental illness exceeds $700 billion each year STAT News.

Recent research is drawing unexpected parallels between the reproductive lives of seals and the challenges facing human fertility, sparking fresh conversations about the hidden environmental factors impacting reproductive health worldwide. As reported in a feature by Oceanographic Magazine, scientists are turning their attention to seals — charismatic marine mammals that live far from hospitals and clinics — in hopes of unraveling why fertility rates are declining across species, including humans (Oceanographic Magazine).

Why do people so often comply with authority—even when orders contradict their conscience? New neuroscience research is beginning to provide concrete answers to this age-old question, illuminating the brain mechanisms that drive obedience and the social pressures that can make compliance nearly automatic. Drawing upon insights from the recent feature, “Why We Follow Orders: The Neuroscience of Compliance and Control” in Skeptic magazine, this report examines what scientists have uncovered, why these findings matter in everyday Thai life, and what we can do to foster greater ethical autonomy.

Recent headlines have focused public attention on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, after he made sweeping statements about measles, autism, vaccines, and the impact of diet on health—claims that have sparked controversy internationally and resonate even among Thai readers navigating similar public health debates. As widespread measles outbreaks and concerns over rising autism rates draw renewed focus on medical facts and myths, a thorough examination of the latest research provides crucial context for Thai families, educators, and policymakers.

Touch is a sense so omnipresent that most people rarely pause to appreciate its profound influence—until it’s disrupted. Yet, as fresh research led by Harvard’s Dr. David Ginty reveals, touch is our most complex sense, arising from an intricate landscape of cellular sensors that function as the body’s constantly vigilant interface with the world. These findings, summarized in a sweeping feature in Quanta Magazine and recent reports from Harvard’s neurobiology teams, paint touch not as a single sensation but as a rich, dynamic network involving myriad neuron types, each finely tuned to unique tactile experiences—from the gentle tickle of a breeze on the skin to the comforting pressure of a mother’s hug (Quanta Magazine, 2025; Harvard Medical School, 2024).

The US Army is ringing in a new era for soldier fitness by scrapping its much-ridiculed medicine ball throw—widely known as the “ball yeet”—and tightening physical standards for combat troops. According to an exclusive report by Military.com, starting June 2025, service members across the active duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard will pivot to the rebranded Army Fitness Test (AFT), abandoning the controversial Standing Power Throw event and ushering in higher, gender-neutral benchmarks for demanding combat roles Military.com.

A recent report by The Guardian has drawn attention to a dramatic surge in syphilis cases in the United States, a public health crisis made worse by a decision during the Trump administration to shutter a key federal Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) laboratory within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) The Guardian. This controversial move, now under sharp scrutiny, has come at a pivotal moment as syphilis infections in the US hit record highs. For Thailand, this development is a stark warning of the critical importance of sustained investment in public health infrastructure—and offers valuable insights into local disease prevention strategies.

The vagus nerve, often dubbed the body’s “electrical information superhighway,” is gaining growing attention as a novel pathway to reducing anxiety—with both ancient practices and high-tech solutions vying for public interest. From deep breathing and Mediterranean diets to wearable devices, the quest to “exercise” the vagus nerve and calm the mind has surged in popularity, stirring debate among clinicians and wellness influencers alike. This new wave arrives in an era where anxiety ranks among the most common mental health challenges globally and in Thailand, as modern life accelerates and traditional coping methods are increasingly supplemented by science-backed therapies and wellness trends.

A daily walk in Lumpini Park or along your neighborhood soi is a treasured routine for many Thais. For years, walking has been hailed as the simplest path to good health—a prescription that’s free, low-impact, and within reach for almost everyone. However, new research and expert consensus reveal that while walking is indeed beneficial, it doesn’t provide the full spectrum of fitness needed to maintain health, especially as we age. Recent reporting in India Today, reinforced by medical studies worldwide, urges people not to rely solely on walking if they want to preserve muscle, bone strength, and balance throughout their lives (India Today).

As the hot season in Thailand ushers in brighter mornings, many Thais might wonder whether a simple stroll through Lumpini Park or their local soi really counts as exercise. According to the latest research and guidance from fitness experts, not only does walking qualify as real exercise, but this humble activity brings a surprising range of physical and mental health benefits—prompting experts here and abroad to call on more Thais to make regular walking part of daily life (CNET).

As the sun returns and Thais across the country take to parks and neighborhood sois for their daily walks, recent research and expert opinion reinforce a simple but powerful health message: walking—whether a slow saunter or a brisk “hot girl walk” trend—offers significant, wide-ranging health benefits. Contrary to some online debates, fitness trainers and scientific studies now agree: walking absolutely counts as exercise, with the latest data showing it can reduce your risk for heart abnormalities, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia, among other chronic diseases (CNET). For Thai readers living in urban environments or rural towns alike, this news spotlights an accessible path to better health that doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or elaborate equipment—just a sturdy pair of shoes and a willingness to take the first step.

A growing number of parents are finding themselves overwhelmed and exhausted by the search for the “right” therapist for their children—especially for conditions like ADHD, where behavioral outbursts can create urgent family stress. This was the central story in a recent episode of Slate’s “Care and Feeding” parenting podcast, where hosts responded to a mother tired by seemingly endless therapy trials and the ongoing struggle to find support for her daughter’s behavioral needs. Her dilemma reflects a wider phenomenon now drawing attention in new research and news: ‘therapy shopping’—the often stressful, confusing, and time-consuming search for effective mental health care—is exacting a heavy toll on families everywhere (Slate Podcast).

A growing chorus of parents and psychologists believe it is better for children to face manageable risks than to be raised in overly sheltered environments—a provocative idea that is gaining traction worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent feature from Upworthy, which sparked widespread conversation, gathered insights from parents who argue that modern tendencies to overprotect children may actually hinder their emotional, social, and intellectual maturity. This approach runs counter to traditional Thai values of overprotection, prompting a re-examination of how best to prepare Thai youth for an increasingly unpredictable world (source).

A new training trend is shaking up home fitness routines worldwide: swapping traditional core exercises like sit-ups and crunches for dynamic, dumbbell-based moves. As detailed in a firsthand feature on Fit&Well, journalist Yanar Alkayat shares her experience adopting a weighted core circuit, guided by musculoskeletal specialist Kelly Marshall, highlighting key reasons why Thai readers may want to reconsider their approach to ab training (Fit&Well, 2025).

In today’s fitness culture, core workouts are almost synonymous with endless repetitions of crunches—but new research and expert insights suggest this may be a missed opportunity. Many of us in Thailand follow online videos or fitness apps that focus mainly on “visible abs.” However, strengthening only the superficial muscles overlooks vital deep core muscles that underlie our posture, balance, and daily movements. Weighted core exercises, particularly those using dumbbells, have emerged as a way to target deeper muscle layers around the ribs, spine, and pelvis—muscles crucial not only for aesthetics but for practical function such as walking, lifting, and climbing stairs.

A recent advice column caught the internet’s attention: a six-year-old boy has repeatedly punched classmates, leaving bruises, and his parents have dismissed this behavior as inconsequential. This scenario, while alarming, puts a spotlight on a challenge familiar to many families and educators in Thailand—how should parents and schools respond when a child’s aggression escalates beyond normal childhood roughhousing? Research over the past year offers new insight, emphasizing that how parents react can deeply shape a child’s future social and emotional development.

A groundbreaking new study reveals that simply combining two everyday activities—using a step counter and practicing mindfulness—could be the key to making exercise a more attractive, sustainable part of daily life. Published in April 2025 in the journal Mental Health and Physical Activity, researchers from the University of Bath found that integrating step tracking with mindfulness training delivered via a mobile application significantly improved participants’ desire to stay active compared to step counting alone. This research is particularly timely for Thai readers, as our society faces similar challenges with sedentary lifestyles and rising chronic health risks associated with inactivity.

Staying active isn’t just about looking younger—it’s crucial for maintaining independence and well-being as we age. A compelling new report, drawing on fitness experts and endorsed by leading health institutions, highlights three key exercise types that can unlock strength, stability, and resilience well into your golden years. Contrary to long-standing misconceptions, physical activity is not only safe for older adults but essential: it staves off chronic disease, strengthens the body, and uplifts the mind. For Thailand’s rapidly aging population, these science-backed routines hold the potential to transform daily life, giving Thai grandparents energy to play with grandchildren (หลาน), join community events, or even embark confidently on temple pilgrimages (ไปวัด).

A recent personal story published by The Telegraph, titled “I was raised by an abusive mother. This is what I want people to know,” has once again brought to light the often-overlooked issue of maternal abuse and its profound, long-term effects on children. While parental abuse is commonly associated with fathers, stories and research are revealing that mothers, too, can be perpetrators, challenging both societal stereotypes and deeply held cultural assumptions. As this subject gains traction in Western media, there is growing recognition of its prevalence and implications for families around the world, including here in Thailand, where filial piety and family honor are especially significant.

A surge of recent research highlights brown adipose tissue—commonly called “brown fat”—as a potential game-changer in the quest for healthy weight loss, offering hope to millions in Thailand and worldwide who are grappling with rising obesity rates. Unlike ordinary white fat, which stores energy and can cause health problems in excess, brown fat burns calories to generate heat, acting as a biological furnace. This discovery is sparking new discussions about how we might harness “good fat” for improved health and more effective obesity treatments.

A new wave of fitness enthusiasts is challenging the long-standing stereotype of the “lazy stoner,” as growing evidence—and candid testimony—suggests that cannabis is helping people exercise, find joy in workouts, and perhaps even unlock their own version of a “runner’s high.” As recently reported by Yahoo! News, and supported by emerging research, people like Mark, a father in his 40s, are using cannabis products such as vape pens or edibles to make their training more enjoyable and less monotonous. Mark credits cannabis with helping him complete the demanding months of training for his first marathon, saying, “I definitely could have run the marathon without the marijuana, but I don’t know how easily I could have completed the training without it” (Yahoo! News).

Could enjoying a square of dark chocolate each day actually be good for you, khon Thai? In recent years, research has shifted the way we think about this rich treat, suggesting that dark chocolate—not its sweeter, milkier cousins—may deliver serious health benefits, thanks to its high cacao content and unique compounds. With the Songkran holiday and an uptick in sweet indulgences, it’s the perfect time to digest the latest scientific findings and see what they mean for health-conscious Thais.

Recent revelations from global educational research, including findings highlighted by the Times of India in their coverage on “10 morning habits that encourage children to go to school,” underscore the significance of cultivating consistent, supportive morning routines for school-aged children. With absenteeism and school refusal a growing concern for Thai families and educators, especially in the evolving landscape after COVID-19 disruptions, this research offers valuable, evidence-backed insights tailored for both urban and upcountry Thai lifestyles source.

For Thai fitness enthusiasts balancing work, family, and other commitments, time-efficient workouts that still deliver results are not just a wish—research shows they are very much a reality. Recently, exercise scientist Dr. Mike Israetel highlighted the top five most efficient strength-training exercises, aiming to help people get “ultra jacked” in the shortest possible time. His list, presented in a detailed YouTube analysis and summarized by Yahoo Lifestyle, focuses on maximizing both strength and muscle size (hypertrophy) through compound, full-range movements, marking a significant, evidence-based shift away from long, isolated workout sessions. This news has quickly become a topic of interest across fitness forums and gyms in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond, resonating deeply with those seeking smarter—not just harder—ways to train (source: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/5-most-efficient-exercises-adding-160000417.html).

A surprising new wave of research is challenging the stereotype of the lethargic “stoner” by revealing an unexpected trend: cannabis users are increasingly pairing marijuana with exercise to boost motivation, enjoyment, and even achieve the coveted “runner’s high.” This new approach, highlighted in a recent article by Salon.com (source), reflects a growing body of scientific studies suggesting that cannabis, when used thoughtfully, might actually help some people embrace a more active lifestyle—contrary to decades-old assumptions linking marijuana to inactivity.