News

A wave of fresh research highlights that simple diet changes, specifically eating certain foods, can play a powerful role in lowering cholesterol and protecting heart health—news with growing relevance as Thailand’s lifestyle diseases rise. The latest guidance, published by nutrition experts and synthesised in a comprehensive report by EatingWell, underscores ten everyday foods that scientific evidence shows can actively reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and boost protective “good” HDL cholesterol, cementing dietary habits as Thailand’s first line of defense against heart disease (EatingWell).

Emerging research and expert guidance reveal that numerous everyday foods and beverages many consumers consider harmless are actually undermining long-term health through subtle but persistent negative effects that accumulate over years and decades. These seemingly innocent dietary choices, including frozen microwave meals, diet sodas, potato chips, sweetened coffee beverages, and regular alcohol consumption, function as “silent saboteurs” of wellness that particularly threaten Thai consumers navigating busy schedules, evolving food preferences, and increasing exposure to processed food options that promise convenience while delivering hidden health consequences.

The World Economic Forum, in collaboration with leading strategic consulting firm Kearney, has released comprehensive scenario analysis modeling four distinct possibilities for global tourism transformation by 2030, providing crucial strategic intelligence for Thailand’s tourism industry as the Kingdom navigates post-pandemic recovery while positioning for long-term competitiveness within rapidly evolving international travel markets. This authoritative research examines how converging forces including geopolitical tensions, economic pressures, sustainability imperatives, and technological disruption could fundamentally reshape tourism patterns, visitor expectations, and destination competitiveness in ways that demand immediate strategic adaptation by Thailand’s tourism sector leadership. The analysis proves particularly vital for a tourism-dependent economy like Thailand, where international visitor spending traditionally supports millions of jobs and contributes significantly to national economic development, making understanding future scenarios essential for effective policy development and industry investment decisions.

A landmark study has confirmed growing fears that fraudulent scientific papers, fueled by shadowy “paper mills,” are increasing at an alarming rate and threatening the very foundations of science. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and highlighted by The New York Times, the analysis reveals sophisticated fraud networks and a rapidly proliferating output of fake or low-quality research papers that could contaminate medical, technological, and social advancements worldwide (nytimes.com).

A new wave of fraudulent schemes is targeting university students, with scammers relying on fake job offers, housing scams, and too-good-to-be-true opportunities to trick their victims, according to a recent investigative report from the United States. The trend, which has left nearly half of surveyed youth susceptible to financial loss, serves as a wake-up call for Thai university students preparing for term start and internship application season, as such scams are showing up globally, including Southeast Asia (WXYZ).

A recent survey by Taiwan’s Child Welfare League Foundation has uncovered that over 43% of Taiwanese fathers with children under 18 show signs of depression, a figure described by local experts as “staggeringly high.” With economic stress emerging as the chief culprit, the findings are sparking urgent conversations not only in Taiwan, but also throughout Asia where paternal mental health is often overlooked—including in Thailand, which faces similar social and economic pressures on young families.

A recent wave of scientific research is challenging the billion-baht beauty industry’s claims about animal-based collagen, revealing that vegan collagen alternatives might be just as effective for maintaining youthful skin. As collagen supplements continue to gain traction in Thailand’s wellness circles, these findings have significant implications for local consumers seeking plant-based health solutions—balancing tradition, science, and consumer ethics.

Collagen supplements, long popular among Thai beauty enthusiasts, are typically derived from animal sources such as bovine or fish tendons and bones. These products are marketed widely on social media, beauty shelves, and even in rural pharmacies, promising to boost skin elasticity and slow aging. But the growing shift towards vegan and plant-based lifestyles—evident in Bangkok’s vegan-friendly cafes and temple food fairs—has sparked curiosity: Can vegan “collagen builders” really deliver the same benefits?

Revolutionary scientific research is disrupting the billion-baht beauty industry’s traditional animal-based collagen claims, revealing that innovative vegan collagen alternatives may deliver equivalent effectiveness for maintaining youthful skin while addressing ethical and cultural concerns. As collagen supplements continue gaining popularity throughout Thailand’s wellness communities, these groundbreaking findings carry significant implications for local consumers seeking plant-based health solutions that balance traditional wisdom, cutting-edge science, and evolving ethical considerations around animal-derived products.

Collagen supplements, historically popular among Thai beauty enthusiasts, traditionally derive from animal sources including bovine bones and tendons or fish-derived materials, marketed extensively through social media platforms, beauty retailers, and rural pharmacies with promises to enhance skin elasticity while slowing visible aging processes. However, Thailand’s growing shift toward vegan and plant-based lifestyles—evident in Bangkok’s proliferating vegan-friendly establishments and traditional temple food celebrations—has sparked intensive scientific inquiry into whether vegan collagen-building products can deliver comparable benefits to their animal-derived counterparts.

A new study published in Sexuality & Culture has uncovered the reasons why many young adults choose to remain in “situationships”—romantic partnerships that exist in a grey area between casual dating and official commitment. Despite evidence that situationships are often less satisfying than traditional relationships, researchers from the United States found that emotional investment, the hope for a more official bond, and having emotional needs met often keep people attached to these ambiguous romances. The findings are especially relevant as Thai youth and young adults navigate complex dating norms shaped by social media, dating apps, and shifting societal expectations.

Within Bangkok’s air-conditioned yoga studios and beneath the shade of centuries-old temples where monks practice moving meditation, a profound convergence unfolds between traditional mindfulness practices and cutting-edge longevity research. Scientific investigation now reveals that specific yoga postures—particularly pigeon, boat, and low lunge poses—provide measurable benefits for cellular aging, functional movement, and neurological health that extend far beyond flexibility enhancement or stress relief.

Thailand’s remarkable receptivity to yoga reflects deeper cultural alignments between Buddhist mindfulness traditions, indigenous healing practices like nuad boran massage, and holistic approaches to physical well-being that have sustained Thai communities for generations. As the kingdom’s average life expectancy extends into the late seventies while confronting challenges from sedentary urban lifestyles, yoga emerges as a scientifically-validated tool for promoting healthy aging that honors both ancient wisdom and contemporary medical understanding.

Within Thailand’s expanding mental health discourse, where depression often remains hidden behind cultural expectations of resilience and social harmony, researchers worldwide are illuminating a critical but overlooked symptom that makes recovery exponentially more challenging. Anhedonia—the profound loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyable activities—affects up to 70% of individuals with clinical depression, yet receives minimal attention in Thai healthcare settings where mood disorders are frequently reduced to simple sadness narratives.

With international travel resuming and the Thai baht under pressure from global headwinds, many Thai holidaymakers are looking for affordable ways to explore the United States. Latest industry research highlights September as a particularly budget-friendly month for US travel, offering significant discounts on flights, accommodation, and attractions. Destinations such as New Orleans, Cleveland, Orlando, Albuquerque, and San Diego feature among the most attractive options for those seeking rich cultural experiences without breaking the bank, according to a recent report by Travel Noire.

Face yoga, a set of facial muscle exercises touted as a natural way to lift, tone, and rejuvenate the skin, is enjoying a global moment—supported by TikTok trends, wellness gurus, and hopeful adherents searching for non-invasive alternatives to cosmetic procedures. However, does the evidence match the buzz? The latest research, expert opinions, and international trends illuminate both the promise and limitations of this increasingly popular practice.

Originating from traditional yoga’s holistic approach to body and mind, facial yoga involves repetitive movements and exaggerated poses, such as “cheek sculpting,” “jaw firmer,” and “eyebrow lifter,” that purportedly counter wrinkles and sagging skin. Proponents argue that these exercises can strengthen underlying muscles, increase blood flow and oxygenation, and support natural facial fullness. Some Thai wellness influencers and beauty clinics have started to offer facial yoga classes, often incorporating meditation or traditional Thai massage, reflecting a blending of global, local, and ancient healing knowledge.

A widely used sweetener found in many everyday foods and beverages may hold surprising promise as a weapon against some of the most aggressive forms of cancer, according to new scientific findings reported by researchers in 2024. This revelation marks a potential turning point in both cancer therapy research and the way many consumers think about low-calorie sweeteners in their diets.

The discovery comes at a time when cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, with Thailand counting tens of thousands of new cancer diagnoses each year, especially of hard-to-treat cancers such as pancreatic, brain, and certain lung cancers. Treatments for these aggressive cancers often yield poor outcomes, underscoring the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies.

For many Thais, digestive discomfort is a familiar but unwelcome part of life, often going undiscussed despite its frequent impact on daily well-being. Recent research and expert perspectives are shining new light on five key supplements that may help to relieve constipation, a condition that is common across Asia as it is in the West. A new interview with a leading US gastroenterologist and research findings published in 2024 provide timely, science-backed guidance for Thais considering supplement options, and reveal which strategies are best supported by evidence in both international and Asian contexts.

A new wave of evidence-based advice is changing the way people stay hydrated: add fruit to your water. The latest research and nutrition experts agree that fresh fruit is the number one ingredient to upgrade your daily hydration, making plain water more appealing and supporting overall health without the downsides of sweetened beverages. As concerns about high sugar intake and the need for proper hydration spread globally and in Thailand, this simple strategy can make a significant difference in the nation’s health habits.

As mental health services globally face unprecedented demand and resource shortages, many individuals are increasingly turning to generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT for emotional support and advice. While the promise of 24/7, non-judgmental responses is appealing to those in distress, new research and expert commentary warn of significant psychological and ethical risks in relying on AI as a substitute for traditional therapy. This latest debate, captured in a thought-provoking commentary published in The Guardian on August 3, 2025, highlights the pressing need for Thai readers to critically evaluate the role of AI in mental healthcare and to consider cultural and societal implications (The Guardian).

A new large-scale study suggests that just 15 minutes of brisk walking daily can lower the risk of death by 19%, offering a simple, accessible way for people of all income levels to boost health and longevity. Published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, the research draws a clear link between fast-paced walking and reduced mortality–even when other lifestyle factors like diet, smoking, and general physical activity are considered. Its findings have vital implications for Thailand, where large segments of the population may face barriers to structured exercise or lack access to expensive gyms and fitness spaces.

A new report reveals that half of high schools in New York’s Capital Region do not offer any computer science courses, sparking concern among educators, policymakers, and technology experts about whether students are being adequately prepared for an artificial intelligence-driven future. The findings, published by the Center for an Urban Future, highlight a pervasive gap in foundational technology education just as computational literacy becomes an increasingly essential skill for navigating tomorrow’s job market (Times Union).

As travel restrictions, economic uncertainty, and a renewed interest in local heritage reshape travel habits worldwide, research and recent initiatives like the Logan County Tourism Week in Ohio underscore a growing trend: the local staycation. Events that highlight accessible attractions, free or low-cost activities, and strong community engagement are proving not only to offer residents affordable alternatives to expensive holidays but also help revive local economies and deepen civic pride.

A newly published research review is spotlighting an often overlooked—and intensely difficult—symptom at the heart of depression: anhedonia, the loss of interest or pleasure in once-enjoyable activities. This critical symptom, psychiatrists say, not only makes depression harder to treat but also increases the risk of chronic suffering. Recent scientific efforts unravel the complex roots and persistence of anhedonia, suggesting new ways forward for both patients and health professionals, including targeted therapies and hope for personalised interventions (WebMD).

Within Thailand’s evolving social landscape, where traditional gender hierarchies intersect with contemporary calls for equality, revolutionary psychological research reveals that romantic relationships possess untapped potential for transforming men’s understanding of sexism and gender discrimination. This breakthrough study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, demonstrates that intimate partnerships create uniquely powerful environments for developing empathy and awareness that could accelerate Thailand’s progress toward genuine gender equity.

The research illuminates how personal connections triumph over abstract education when confronting deeply embedded gender biases, offering hope for Thai society’s ongoing struggle to balance cultural heritage with progressive values. As the kingdom grapples with persistent workplace discrimination, leadership gender gaps, and subtle forms of everyday sexism, the findings suggest that change might begin most effectively within the private conversations between romantic partners.

A wave of new scientific research has rocked perceptions about marine tourism in Mexico, revealing that decades of regulation have not prevented tourism vessels from inflicting serious harm on iconic wildlife such as humpback whales and whale sharks. Despite official protections and detailed guidelines, scientists have found high levels of rule-breaking and growing impacts on vulnerable species, prompting experts to call for more rigorous enforcement and widespread education for both service providers and tourists.

Nearly two years after catastrophic wildfires devastated significant portions of West Maui and Upcountry, the island’s tourism industry is charting a slow but steady comeback. Recent figures released by the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism indicate a complex recovery: while visitor arrivals and spending figures are climbing, they remain distinctly below pre-disaster levels. This nuanced recovery, marked by resilient local efforts and strategic marketing, offers timely insights for Thailand’s tourism-dependent provinces still reeling from natural disasters, including the 2022 floods in Ubon Ratchathani and recurring wildfire threats in the North.