News

A new wave of addiction research reveals an unsettling reality: for many women, substance use does not fit the sensationalized, chaotic image so often portrayed in media. Instead, it often begins quietly and appears “normal”—a glass of wine after a long day, a sleep aid to combat restless nights, or prescription painkillers following surgery or childbirth. In today’s Thailand, these subtle beginnings and the invisibility of early-stage addiction among women are prompting urgent questions for families, health professionals, and policymakers, especially as new evidence suggests young women are now outpacing men in binge drinking in several countries worldwide (Psychology Today).

Across the world, grandparents are stepping in to fill the childcare gap left by soaring costs and insufficient support. A recent feature published in The Guardian highlights how “an overwhelming bond of love” is driving countless grandparents in the UK to take up sustained roles that look less like occasional babysitting and more like active parenting. This trend—rooted in love, necessity, and social circumstance—is not confined to the UK. Here in Thailand, shifting family structures, economic pressures, and policy gaps have likewise thrust grandparents into pivotal roles as childcare providers, producing both unique rewards and considerable challenges for Thai families.

A casual comment from a colleague, a family member’s criticism, or feeling excluded from a group decision can stick in our minds and cause outsized emotional pain. New research and expert discussion, highlighted in a recent article on Vox, reveal that for many people these daily social slights are not simply oversensitivity, but stem from deeper biological, psychological, and social roots. This new understanding offers practical strategies to help those who find themselves chronically hurt by the words and actions of others—a topic with relevance for Thais living in increasingly interconnected yet stressful social environments.

A recent report from the United States has revealed a shocking public health statistic: one in five Americans now lives with a sexually transmitted infection (STI), highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive sexual health education and testing. With the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that nearly 68 million Americans were infected with an STI in 2018 alone, the scale of the issue signals growing global concerns and poses clear implications for countries like Thailand, where shifting social norms and international tourism influence sexual health patterns (KX News).

A new wave of expert advice is challenging the belief that popping supplements can boost brain function, urging Thai readers to prioritise healthy living and balanced diets over quick fixes. According to a comprehensive report by a team of registered dietitians, several widely advertised supplements might actually endanger, rather than enhance, cognitive performance—news with far-reaching implications for Thailand’s rapidly ageing society and health-conscious youth. (EatingWell)

With the promise of sharper memory and better focus, brain health supplements have become staples on pharmacy shelves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. But registered dietitians cited in the latest review warn these pills can give a false sense of security or even cause harm, especially when consumed in high doses or without medical supervision. The five supplements flagged as concerning are: high-dose vitamin E, high-dose vitamin B6, ginkgo biloba, concentrated caffeine supplements, and omega-6 fatty acid supplements.

A surge in tourism has brought record-breaking economic benefits to the Driftless Area and the broader state of Wisconsin, according to newly released data—demonstrating how rural natural destinations can fuel regional growth despite pockets of local decline. As area communities double down on strategic promotion and local partnerships, their ambitions to build a thriving, sustainable tourism sector are under more optimistic scrutiny than ever before (Telegraph Herald).

The Driftless Area—a rugged expanse of southwest Wisconsin, notable for escaping glacial flattening—has long drawn naturalists, paddlers, and cyclists captivated by its dramatic ridgelines, twisting waterways, and quaint towns. According to the latest figures from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism, 2024 marked the third consecutive year of record growth, with the state seeing a whopping $25.8 billion economic impact and a heady 114.4 million visits—more than a million above the last pre-pandemic peak (Travel Wisconsin). This boom has made headlines across statewide news platforms, confirming tourism’s vital role not just in big cities but also in rural counties.

A new wave of research and travel reporting has spotlighted six senior-friendly destinations across Asia, offering stress-free travel options that cater specifically to the needs of older adults. This emerging trend reflects a broader concern for senior well-being, accessibility, and comfort—particularly as families increasingly prioritize inclusive and accessible travel experiences for aging parents and grandparents.

Travel holds particular significance for seniors in Thailand and across Asia, not only as a means of relaxation but also as an avenue for supporting health, mental wellbeing, and lifelong learning. Senior citizens often face unique challenges when traveling, such as mobility limitations, dietary restrictions, and the need for convenient, reliable healthcare facilities. Today’s travel industry is responding, as evidenced by the selection of senior-friendly cities—ranging from tranquil Japanese retreats to culturally rich heritage sites in Southeast Asia—outlined in the Times of India’s recent feature.

A new wave of psychological research has shed light on the intricate social effects of displaying happiness, suggesting that while expressing genuine joy often leads to social rewards, forcing oneself to appear happy under pressure may sometimes trigger the opposite effect. These findings hold particular resonance for Thai society, where social harmony and emotional expression are deeply intertwined with cultural norms.

The latest review, published on July 28, 2025, in The Conversation by researchers specializing in well-being and emotional sociology, highlights that happiness serves several key social functions, aiding not only in personal health and success but also in fostering stronger social bonds and positively shaping others’ perceptions. Yet, the study warns against pushing people to display happiness, especially when it is not truly felt, due to the potential psychological harm and social exclusion this pressure can cause (theconversation.com).

A growing body of evidence suggests that persistent fatigue—not just momentary tiredness—may be the most prominent sign adults aren’t getting enough magnesium, a mineral vital to energy production, heart health, and overall well-being, according to leading nutrition researchers. While true magnesium deficiency is considered rare, up to 48% of people may be getting insufficient amounts for optimal health due to dietary shortfalls, with important implications for Thailand’s aging population, dietary trends, and healthcare landscape.

Loneliness is emerging as a major yet often unspoken mental health issue worldwide, with new research highlighting subtle warning signs that may escape notice—even in the midst of active social lives. According to a leading clinical psychologist whose work was recently shared in the Times of India, four “hidden” symptoms—doomscrolling, superficial social exchanges, persistent overthinking of interactions, and a sense of not belonging—require immediate attention to prevent further harm to mental well-being. As these findings gain traction, Thai mental health experts urge the public to recognize and address loneliness before it quietly undermines physical and psychological health.

A new wave of technological advances promises parents a chance to have “high-quality” families by screening embryos for optimal genetic health, but current research and social debate show that the quest for genetic perfection may come at significant ethical, cultural, and emotional costs. As genetic screening companies like Orchid promote the ability to select embryos free from a wide array of health risks, a chorus of bioethicists, parents, and social critics warn that this trend risks making children into consumer products and overlooks the unpredictability—and inherent value—of imperfect human lives (The Dispatch).

A groundbreaking study has provided the clearest evidence yet that a targeted combination of lifestyle changes – specifically, a heart-healthy diet, regular aerobic exercise, mental training, and increased social activity – can actually slow down age-related declines in brain function among older adults. The findings, presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Toronto and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, hold significant promise for an aging population like Thailand’s, where cognitive issues and Alzheimer’s disease represent growing public health concerns (NPR).

A sweeping new scientific review analyzing 64 commonly used natural and over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for depression has revealed that just a few have real evidence backing their effectiveness, raising important questions for both Thai consumers and healthcare professionals seeking safe, accessible options for managing mental health. The findings, published in 2025 and featured on Science Daily, challenge widespread assumptions about the power of widely sold supplements and herbs, highlighting which products may truly help—and which may offer nothing more than hope in a bottle.

A new study has revealed that a mental technique dubbed “time travel” can help restore fading memories, providing fresh promise for students, educators, and anyone hoping to recollect lost information. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on July 28, this research offers compelling evidence that mentally returning to the context in which a memory was formed—by recalling thoughts and emotions from that time—can significantly rejuvenate retention of learned information, sometimes making old memories nearly as accessible as new ones. This discovery may revolutionize current understandings of memory loss and learning efficiency from classrooms in Bangkok to university libraries across the globe (Live Science).

In a surprising twist to the American tourism landscape, the NASA Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida has soared to the coveted No. 1 spot among US attractions, according to Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things To Do. Heralded as the nation’s top draw, the Kennedy Space Center edged out the state’s normally dominant beaches and theme parks, adding rocket fuel to Florida’s reputation for unique, world-class destinations. The announcement comes as Tripadvisor, the globe’s largest travel guidance platform, revealed its list based on reviews and ratings collected over the twelve months leading up to March 31, 2025. Other Florida sites making the top ranks include the Stetson Mansion in DeLand at No. 5 and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo at No. 6, reinforcing the state’s diverse appeal to both domestic and international tourists (Miami Herald).

Emerging research is reshaping the management of chronic pain, with promising evidence for psychological interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). In a recent article by the Washington Post, experts highlighted three non-pharmacological techniques shown to help people manage persistent pain—offering hope for millions of Thais living with chronic conditions that medications alone often fail to alleviate (Washington Post).

Chronic pain, defined as pain lasting three months or longer, affects between 8% to 11% of people globally, with higher rates in more industrialized countries. Thailand is no exception, where back pain, headaches, and muscle disorders are among the most common complaints seen in clinics nationwide (Wikipedia). Persistent pain drains not only physical vitality but also mental health, often leading to depression, sleep difficulties, and profound disruption of daily life. Traditionally, treatment emphasized medications—ranging from paracetamol to opioids—but these often fall short for patients with ongoing pain and pose risks such as overuse, dependence, and diminished effectiveness over time.

A groundbreaking study from Denmark, recently published in The Lancet Psychiatry, offers new understanding of family patterns in mental health disorders. The research confirms that relatives of individuals with mental illness face a higher risk themselves—yet, surprisingly, most cases still occur among people with no prior family history. This finding is poised to reshape mental health awareness and prevention strategies not just globally but also in Thailand, where mental health remains a growing public health priority.

Many Thais have pondered the question: “Am I just too sensitive?” after a seemingly minor remark leaves a lasting hurt. Recent psychological research reveals that heightened emotional sensitivity is both more common and complex than previously thought, with roots in biology, life experiences, and cultural dynamics—and it is not simply a matter of “overreacting” or lacking toughness, as Thai conventional wisdom sometimes suggests.

Highly sensitive individuals tend to dwell on minor social slights—a friend’s offhand joke, a family member’s sharp comment, or being overlooked in a conversation—well beyond what others might consider reasonable. According to a leading US-based professor emeritus in psychology and neuroscience, these moments sting deeply because they signal diminished relational value: “It conveys that I don’t have a whole lot of relational value to you,” this expert explained in a recent interview. “You don’t value your connection with me, because if you did, you’d treat me better than this.” Some people, according to this researcher, simply feel these upsets more keenly than others, lacking the ability to emotionally brush them off easily.

A groundbreaking review in neuroscience is challenging commonly held beliefs about how reading and listening shape what we learn, revealing that each medium activates the brain in unique ways and is not simply interchangeable. While today’s digital landscape overflows with audiobooks, podcasts, and voice-driven AI, new research highlights that reading in print or on screens still plays an irreplaceable role in effective learning—especially when grappling with complex material (The Conversation, 2025).

As Thailand and much of the world endure record-breaking temperatures, schools are intensifying efforts to shield student athletes from the dangerous effects of extreme heat—a challenge that has become a focal point in the start of new school terms and sports seasons. Recent research and policies reflect mounting concern over the health and safety of young athletes, particularly as climate change accelerates the incidence and intensity of heatwaves. The latest wave of research and new protocols adopted in 2025 underline an urgent reality: heat-related illnesses among student athletes are on the rise and demand robust preventive measures both internationally and within Thailand (local3news.com).

Japan is experiencing an unprecedented tourism surge in 2025, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors flocking to its major cities, historical landmarks, and global cultural icons. Yet as the nation grapples with the double-edged sword of economic gain and overtourism fatigue, new research and travel narratives are highlighting a calming solution: the country’s lesser-known but culturally essential gardens, which promise a tranquil escape for both domestic and international tourists during even the most crowded peak seasons.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, but nearly 80% of cases are considered preventable with the right lifestyle interventions, according to the latest evidence-based guidelines published by a leading American cardiologist in The Washington Post on July 28, 2025 (source). These guidelines distill up-to-the-minute research into ten science-backed tips that anyone—whether in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or the US—can use to safeguard their heart. As heart disease rates continue to rise in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, understanding these practical, research-driven recommendations is vital for both individuals and policymakers.

A fresh wave of scientific evidence is changing the way we view eggs on our breakfast tables. In a new study, researchers found that eating eggs, particularly as part of a diet low in saturated fat, can actually reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. This challenges decades-old dietary warnings that blamed eggs and their cholesterol content for heart disease, sparking new conversation about breakfast choices for health-conscious Thais. (ScienceAlert)

A new nationwide survey published in June 2025 has revealed a remarkable reduction in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand—a development hailed by public health leaders as evidence that the country’s decades-long prevention and screening efforts are working. The research, conducted in four regions of Thailand among over 6,000 participants, found that the current rate of hepatitis C infection is just 0.56%, down from 2.15% in 2004 and 0.94% in 2014. This progress comes even as the World Health Organization warns globally that viral hepatitis deaths are rising, with 1.3 million fatalities each year according to its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report (healio.com), making Thailand’s performance uniquely encouraging (nature.com).