News

A new BBC feature highlights ethical risks in last-chance tourism. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

Researchers warn that tourists who rush to vanishing sites can worsen environmental decline. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

The story draws on recent academic work about grief, management, and visitor pressure. ( KU News: Eco-necrotourism study summary ) ( SSRN: Eco-Necrotourism and Public Land Management )

Last-chance tourism means visiting places likely to disappear from climate change. ( BBC Travel: An ethical guide to last-chance tourism )

A major review published in Aging suggests that regular physical activity does more than slow aging. It may actually reverse cellular aging, offering new hope for extending healthy years.

Researchers describe exercise as a powerful geroprotector, a biological shield that combats aging at the cellular level. By examining epigenetic aging mechanisms, the analysis challenges how fitness influences longevity and highlights the potential for targeted activity to influence our body’s aging clock.

A new scientific perspective says regular exercise may slow or reverse biological aging. (Exercise as a geroprotector: focusing on epigenetic aging)

The review links exercise to changes in DNA markers called epigenetic clocks. (Exercise as a geroprotector: focusing on epigenetic aging)

The team frames exercise as a possible geroprotector. (SciTechDaily summary)

Epigenetic age tracks DNA methylation patterns. (Exercise as a geroprotector: focusing on epigenetic aging)

Researchers use these patterns as biological age markers. (Exercise as a geroprotector: focusing on epigenetic aging)

In the aftermath of global pandemic isolation, running and fitness clubs have emerged as vital “third spaces” where Americans rebuild social connections while pursuing wellness—a model that holds tremendous promise for Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery.

The remarkable transformation of fitness communities from simple exercise groups into essential social infrastructure represents one of the most significant wellness trends of our time. Across American cities, running clubs, hiking groups, climbing communities, and cycling collectives have evolved into comprehensive support systems that address both physical health and the profound loneliness epidemic that emerged during pandemic lockdowns.

The American Bible Society released new data showing Gen Z adults score lowest for church engagement in the United States. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

The study links higher church engagement with higher measures of human flourishing. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

The finding matters for Thai faith groups. (State of the Bible chapter 5 press release (State of the Bible Chapter 5)).

Researchers warn that organised scientific fraud now acts like an industry. (How bad science is becoming big business)

This trend threatens trust in evidence used in health and education. (How bad science is becoming big business)

The problem goes beyond lone bad actors. (How bad science is becoming big business)

Paper mills now sell fake papers and authorships as commercial products. (How bad science is becoming big business)

Brokerage services guarantee publication for a fee in some cases. (How bad science is becoming big business)

A new wave of data shows more Americans now take part in sports and exercise. The trend highlights walking as the single most popular activity and shows rapid growth in several other sports. ((More Americans Are Playing Sports—Especially This One | TIME)) ((SFIA 2025 Topline Participation Report)).

The central finding matters to public health planners and families. Higher activity rates can reduce disease burden and health costs. ((CDC FastStats - Exercise or Physical Activity)).

A compelling new academic essay bridges decades of rigorous scientific research with deeply personal experience, revealing how simple outdoor exposure can dramatically improve mental health outcomes. The work, authored by a University of Chicago psychology professor, combines memoir-style storytelling with empirical evidence to demonstrate nature’s profound therapeutic potential for addressing Thailand’s growing mental health crisis.

The Global Mental Health Emergency Reaches Thailand

International surveys reveal alarming increases in depression and anxiety disorders worldwide, with recent data showing 29 percent of American adults reporting clinical depression diagnoses. Thailand faces parallel challenges, with World Health Organization estimates indicating approximately 1.5 million Thai citizens currently experiencing depressive disorders.

A large, multi-year study tracking more than 11,000 individuals across four Western nations reveals that many relationships slowly fade over years before final separation. The research identifies a two-stage decline: a long preterminal phase of gradual satisfaction loss, followed by a shorter terminal phase of rapid detachment before breakup. The finding suggests that timely support can improve outcomes, a message with significant relevance for Thai families facing evolving social norms and rising divorce rates.

A new popular essay links decades of research to personal experience about nature and mental health. (How We Can Improve Our Lives by Going Outside)

The essay describes a psychologist’s life moment and research findings. (How We Can Improve Our Lives by Going Outside)

The story matters because mental illness is rising worldwide. A Gallup survey found 29 percent of US adults report a depression diagnosis. (U.S. Depression Rates Reach New Highs - Gallup News)

A new UK study finds feelings about food drive overeating as much as food processing does. (The study and its commentary appear in The Conversation.) (Ultra-processed foods might not be the real villain in our diets – here’s what our research found).

The researchers tested how much people like foods and how likely they are to overeat them. (They surveyed more than 3,000 adults and rated over 400 common foods.) (Ultra-processed foods might not be the real villain in our diets – here’s what our research found).

Groundbreaking scientific evidence suggests that regular physical activity doesn’t just slow aging—it may actually reverse your biological age at the cellular level, offering unprecedented hope for extending healthy lifespan.

A comprehensive new review published in the prestigious journal Aging this July reveals compelling evidence that structured exercise acts as a powerful “geroprotector”—a biological shield that actively combats the aging process. This landmark analysis, synthesizing decades of research on epigenetic aging mechanisms, fundamentally challenges our understanding of how fitness impacts longevity.

What we think about food matters as much as what’s in it—this groundbreaking insight from British researchers is reshaping Thailand’s approach to nutrition policy and public health campaigns.

A comprehensive UK study involving over 3,000 adults has uncovered a surprising truth about overeating: our psychological relationship with food drives consumption patterns just as powerfully as the degree of processing itself. Published in The Conversation, this research challenges the widespread demonization of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and offers Thailand’s policymakers sophisticated new tools for tackling the nation’s growing obesity crisis.

Fitness and running clubs grew into social hubs after the pandemic. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )

Many people left pandemic isolation seeking real-world connection. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )

Groups that meet to run, walk, climb, and bike offer social contact and exercise. ( Fitness and running clubs have become a post-pandemic social oasis )

This story matters to Thai readers because loneliness rose during the pandemic. ( Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness - CDC )

A ten-minute daily practice endorsed by leading cardiologists could meaningfully cut cardiovascular risk for millions. This easy, evidence-based routine fits neatly into Thai daily life and cultural values, making heart health more approachable for many readers.

In Thailand, cardiovascular disease remains a major health concern, with stress identified as a key modifiable factor. Medical literature shows chronic stress triggers inflammatory processes in blood vessels, accelerating arterial plaque formation and increasing the strain on the heart. Stress also tends to raise blood pressure, further stressing the cardiovascular system.

A sweeping American study signals troubling trends for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand’s small but active Christian minority. With Christians making up about 1.4 percent of Thailand’s Buddhist-majority population, Thai leaders are keenly watching how youth engage with church life and spiritual growth.

The State of the Bible study, led by a major Christian publishing organization, surveyed 2,656 adults across the United States to examine how religious participation relates to personal wellbeing. Researchers found a strong link between active church involvement and “human flourishing,” a broad measure of mental, social, and spiritual wellness. The findings offer both caution and an opportunity for Thailand to reflect on local practice.

In the wake of pandemic isolation, fitness communities are emerging as essential social lifelines. Across cities, running clubs, hiking groups, climbing collectives, and cycling circles have evolved into supportive networks that advance physical health while addressing loneliness. This model offers a powerful template for Thailand’s post-pandemic recovery, connecting people through shared wellness and social belonging.

Research shows that group exercise provides multiple forms of social support beyond companionship. Companionship helps establish regular connection points; emotional support offers encouragement during setbacks; informational support shares training tips and wellness resources; and validation reinforces healthy lifestyle choices. Together, these elements foster an “exercise identity” where fitness becomes part of how people see themselves. Studies indicate that a strong exercise identity correlates with higher weekly activity and better long-term adherence, with women often showing stronger links between group participation and sustained activity than men.

A UK study of over 3,000 adults reveals that our psychological relationship with food can drive overeating as much as how processed it is. Published in The Conversation, the findings urge Thai policymakers to rethink nutrition campaigns and obesity strategies beyond demonizing ultra-processed foods.

In the study, researchers highlight hedonic overeating — eating past fullness for pleasure. They found that nutrient content and consumer perceptions predict overeating more reliably than processing category alone. Participants evaluated photos of more than 400 unbranded foods, while researchers compared nutrient data with the NOVA processing classification. The results challenge traditional views on food behavior.

A new, rigorously reviewed essay connects decades of research with personal experience to show how simple outdoor exposure can boost mental health. Written by a psychology professor from a leading university, the piece blends memoir-style storytelling with evidence to illustrate nature’s therapeutic potential for Thailand’s rising mental health concerns.

Thailand Faces a Mental Health Challenge

Global surveys show rising depression and anxiety worldwide. In the United States, about 29 percent of adults report clinical depression. In Thailand, data from public health sources indicate around 1.5 million people experiencing depressive disorders. Thai youth are especially affected; national health checks reveal widespread stress among students, and university studies indicate elevated depression rates nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these issues, underscoring the need for practical, evidence-based interventions.

A global shift in mental health care is reshaping how families access support, and Thai households are watching closely. As thousands of professionals pivot to therapy careers, Thai communities seek sustainable, culturally resonant ways to meet growing demand.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, interest in therapy careers has surged. Career counselors in major economies report many professionals leaving traditional roles to pursue training in mental health, driven by rising demand and a shift in attitudes toward meaningful work. Government labor data point to robust growth in counseling and family therapy roles, with projections showing steady expansion into the next decade. In particular, positions for marriage and family therapists are expected to rise well above average growth, signaling a shift in the healthcare landscape that could influence Thai access to mental health services.

The world is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in mental health care as thousands of professionals pivot to therapy careers. This global shift carries profound implications for Thai families seeking quality mental health support in an evolving healthcare landscape.

The Post-Pandemic Career Migration

Following the global pandemic, mental health careers have experienced extraordinary growth. Career counselors across major economies report a dramatic increase in professionals abandoning traditional paths to pursue therapy training. This trend reflects both rising demand for mental health services and changing attitudes toward meaningful work.

A new wave of sophisticated academic fraud now threatens Thailand’s research credibility and public health. Experts warn that Thai universities and hospitals face challenges that could alter treatment guidelines, education policy, and tourism strategy if left unchecked.

Leading researchers describe a global fraud ecosystem that transforms plagiarism into a commercial service. Paper mills produce fake studies and sell authorships as ready-made products, often with fabricated data and convincing analytics. These operations cloak themselves with labels like publication consulting and manuscript enhancement, creating an illusion of legitimacy.

A global wellness shift is underway, and walking stands out as the entry point for healthier lives. New data from a leading North American sports association shows walking as the most popular activity, underscoring how simple choices can drive nationwide health improvements. For Thailand, this offers practical lessons on expanding physical activity with practical, low-cost strategies.

According to the association’s 2024 analysis, about 80 percent of Americans—roughly 247.1 million people—engaged in some form of structured physical activity. This milestone reflects a broad renewal of fitness habits and a renewed collective commitment to health. Experts emphasize that walking, with its ease and accessibility, has been central to this surge, providing a gateway to more intensive activities and long-term wellness.

A viral personality trend sweeping through Thai social media platforms has sparked nationwide conversations about work-life balance, mental health, and authentic self-expression. The “Type B personality” movement, which gained momentum on TikTok throughout 2024, now resonates deeply within Thai communities seeking alternatives to relentless productivity culture.

Young Thai content creators proudly embrace descriptors once considered career limitations: laid-back, spontaneous, creative, and relationship-focused. These characteristics, traditionally labeled as “Type B traits,” have found new life as badges of honor among a generation questioning whether constant hustle truly leads to happiness.