News

A growing funding crisis threatens Southeast Asia’s push toward sustainable, climate-resilient cities. An OECD analysis shows that while regional capitals lead bold sustainability efforts, local governments often lack sufficient resources, institutional capacity, and clear policy frameworks to modernize rapidly amid rising populations and climate threats. The gap jeopardizes progress toward international goals such as the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

In Thailand, nearly half the population now lives in urban areas anchored by Bangkok’s economic engine. Thai cities face major infrastructure upgrades—from mass transit to flood defenses—while fiscal constraints hinder their ability to raise funds or attract private investment. The disconnect between ambitious plans and available financing drives key policy debates for city leaders aiming to grow responsibly while protecting the environment.

A new study has raised alarms among parents, educators, and policy-makers after revealing that adolescents as young as 12 not only know about OnlyFans but view it as a potentially appealing and empowering way to earn money, setting it alongside or even above traditional work or educational pathways. The research, conducted in Spain and published in Sexuality & Culture, uncovers how the normalization of erotic content platforms is influencing how young people, especially girls, perceive economic opportunity, self-worth, and sexuality (PsyPost).

A surge in ghost online stores is targeting Thai weight-loss seekers with counterfeit GLP-1 products that imitate popular medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Investigations show more than 140 websites shifting from fashion fronts to fraudulent claims of “plant-based oral solutions” that promise pharmaceutical-grade results without medical supervision. These operations rely on stolen professional images, AI-generated testimonials, and fake endorsements to build trust among Thailand’s digital shoppers.

Global shortages and rising prices for genuine GLP-1 medicines have created fertile ground for scammers. Real treatments such as semaglutide and tirzepatide offer meaningful weight-management benefits for people with obesity or metabolic disorders, driving demand that illicit operators exploit through sophisticated deception. The result is a perilous mix of medical misinformation and aggressive online marketing.

A new wave of research from leading universities reshapes how emotional intelligence is measured in Thailand. By combining self-reports, ability-based tests, and observer feedback, Thai schools, workplaces, and institutions can build richer profiles of emotional competency that support student learning, customer service, and teamwork. Data from respected research institutions shows these multi-method approaches outperform single-test strategies in capturing real-world emotional skills.

Self-report tools remain popular for their accessibility, but reliability can be uneven in Thai contexts. Modesty, face-saving, and social harmony norms may cause underestimation of challenges or overconfidence in strengths. To counter this, Thai educators mix self-reflection with structured feedback from peers and teachers, creating a more accurate picture of how students and professionals manage emotions in daily life.

A groundbreaking study from UNSW Sydney reframes how Thai readers understand repeated harmful choices. The research shows that chronic poor decision-making can be a stable personality trait tied to neurological patterns, not merely personal failure. This insight has wide implications for education, workplaces, healthcare, and social programs in Thailand, inviting a shift from blame to targeted support.

In Thai culture, where learning from experience and maintaining social harmony are highly valued, these findings offer a timely perspective. They encourage educators, employers, and families to address decision-making patterns with empathy and structured interventions rather than punishment. By acknowledging cognitive differences, Thailand can better support individuals at risk of persistent risky behaviors.

A new wave of tourists is steering toward Antarctica, turning the frozen continent into a demanding test bed for responsible travel. Recent data show nearly 125,000 visitors in the 2023-24 season, a sharp rise from about 8,000 three decades ago, with projections suggesting numbers could reach 350,000 by 2033-34. The surge raises urgent questions about safeguarding the pristine wilderness that draws visitors seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and up-close wildlife encounters.

The shift from research outposts to luxury adventure begins with easier access to expedition ships and rising global wealth. Antarctic cruises, once the preserve of scientists and seasoned explorers, now attract retirees, adventure tourists, and bucket-list travelers willing to pay substantial sums for once-in-a-lifetime journeys. Thai travel agencies are increasingly featuring Antarctic packages as high-end experiences, appealing to professionals and aspirants who want to demonstrate global sophistication.

A quiet demographic shift is reshaping Asia’s economies. Women aged 50 and older are now a powerful, active consumer group across major markets, including China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This trend goes beyond shopping habits; it influences work, health, technology, and lifestyle as aging populations rise. Research indicates mature female consumers control trillions in spending, signaling a need for businesses and policymakers to act.

Thailand stands at a pivotal moment as it edges toward a super-aged society. By 2025, seniors over 65 are expected to comprise more than 16 percent of the population, mirroring broader Asian patterns. Today’s 50-plus women challenge old stereotypes by pursuing active aging, digital participation, and financial empowerment, reshaping expectations around retirement and social contribution.

A new study signals a urgent need for Thai parents and educators as teens in Thailand increasingly encounter advanced concepts about adult content platforms and monetization online. Focus groups with students ages 12 to 16 reveal that digital culture is reshaping how young people view work, self-worth, and sexuality, with social media usage already running high across urban and rural communities. The findings underscore the momentum of online ecosystems and their implications for youth wellbeing in Thai society.

As matcha lattes surge in popularity across Thailand and beyond, new research and expert warnings are emerging about a hidden downside to the green drink’s health halo: a potential risk of iron deficiency, especially among vegetarians and plant-based eaters. Nutritionists interviewed in a recent report by The Independent explain that while matcha is rich in antioxidants and confers several metabolic benefits, overconsumption—or pairing it unwisely with certain foods—may be contributing to lower iron levels in some individuals. This news is particularly relevant to Thai readers, given the national shift toward novel health foods and the rising appeal of Japanese tea culture in Bangkok and major cities.

In Bangkok’s vibrant streets, where aromas of lemongrass mix with city noise and shimmering temples rise above the skyline, a quiet transformation unfolds. For Thai travelers, true travel sophistication comes not from tallying destinations but from immersive experiences that challenge assumptions and broaden worldviews. A curated set of ten cities—including Bangkok—serves as cultural crossroads where history and modern life collide, offering lessons in empathy, resilience, and creative thinking.

Istanbul is a cultural crucible where Byzantine churches neighbor Ottoman mosques and modern cafes sit beside ancient bazaars. Immersive moments—joining morning prayers, bargaining in grand markets, and debating ideas in Beyoğlu—reveal how civilizations evolve while preserving continuity. The city invites visitors to adapt emotionally and intellectually, witnessing life that spans continents and centuries within walkable neighborhoods.

According to the latest analysis published by VegOut Magazine, travellers who have truly immersed themselves in any of the 10 highlighted global cities can consider themselves more worldly than 95% of the world’s population. This fresh perspective on travel moves beyond simply counting passport stamps to focus on the depth of experience and cultural exchange, revealing how time spent in certain destinations can transform not only the way we view the world but also how we understand ourselves (VegOut Magazine).

A growing body of psychological research suggests that highly intelligent individuals often find peace through activities many people find uncomfortable or tedious. For Thai society, these findings offer fresh insights into mental restoration amid rapid development, digital distraction, and mounting social pressures. Integrating scientific evidence with traditional wisdom could help address rising mental health concerns in Thailand.

The Thai context emphasizes collective harmony, connectivity, and traditional contemplative practices. As urbanization accelerates and screens dominate daily life, many Thai students and professionals seek effective, culturally resonant ways to recharge their minds and regulate emotions. The new perspectives on relaxation may bridge old and new within Thai universities, workplaces, and communities.

Ever found yourself staring blankly at your phone, only to realize you weren’t thinking about anything at all? It’s not forgetfulness or daydreaming—it’s a phenomenon neuroscientists now call “mind blanking.” A new wave of brain scan research, published in July in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, uncovers what truly happens when our minds seemingly hit pause, revealing an unexpected similarity to the state of deep sleep, even while we are wide awake (Live Science).

A new year brings a surge of gym memberships across Thailand as people vow to improve health, lose weight, or boost energy for demanding workdays in Bangkok. The question on many minds is clear: how long until consistent workouts translate into noticeable results? Recent research offers practical timelines to keep Thai fitness enthusiasts motivated during the pivotal early phase.

Thailand faces a shifting health landscape, with urban residents facing rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. Slow commutes, long office hours, and easy access to convenient meals create challenges for staying active. Regular exercise remains essential, but meaningful change depends on sustained effort and timely physiological adaptations.

Across Asia’s bustling metropolises, a demographic revolution is quietly reshaping entire economies. Women aged 50 and above have emerged as the continent’s most dynamic consumer force, wielding unprecedented purchasing power and redefining traditional concepts of aging across China, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. This transformation represents far more than changing shopping patterns—it signals a fundamental shift in how Asian societies approach work, health, technology, and lifestyle as populations age rapidly. Research indicates these mature female consumers now control trillions in spending decisions, making them impossible to ignore for businesses and policymakers alike.

Are people today living under more pressure than previous generations? New research and global surveys suggest stress and mental health challenges—long perceived as the invisible tax of modern society—have surged over the last three decades, with significant impacts visible both globally and in Thailand. While advances in technology and connectivity promise convenience, experts now warn of increased daily demands, social isolation, and persistent uncertainty fueling rising rates of anxiety, insomnia, and burnout.

A revolutionary transformation sweeps across Asia’s tourism landscape as destinations compete to capture the hearts—and wallets—of senior travelers seeking enriching experiences without compromising comfort or safety. This seismic shift represents far more than upgraded facilities; it signals a fundamental reimagining of what travel means for Asia’s rapidly aging population, particularly relevant as Thailand prepares for a society where one in four citizens will be over 60 within the next decade.

A new wave in Asian tourism is spotlighting “senior-friendly” destinations, as new research and travel industry reports highlight places across Asia that are especially suited for older adults seeking stress-free travel experiences. At a time when post-pandemic travel has reopened borders and reignited wanderlust in retirees, the region is seeing a surge in services, itineraries, and infrastructure designed with senior comfort and accessibility in mind—a trend that holds special relevance for Thai families and the country’s growing elderly population.

Bangkok’s family-friendly experiences reveal Thailand’s tourism strengths and areas for improvement as the country repositions itself as Southeast Asia’s top family destination. International visitors share authentic perspectives that help Thai stakeholders boost satisfaction while preserving the culture that makes Thailand special for families seeking meaningful immersion.

As Thailand’s tourism sector recovers from the pandemic, understanding how international families move through Bangkok is increasingly important. Regional competitors are actively courting family travelers, so guest insights guide better infrastructure, communication, and cultural exchange. This approach supports sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and local communities.

A surge in worldwide reports of workplace burnout, especially in high-pressure sectors like healthcare and technology, is sounding alarms for managers and employees in Thailand and beyond. According to the latest insight from a Harvard Business School executive, burnout is not a random occurrence—it strikes when three powerful forces collide: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. This framework, building on both organizational research and psychological science, challenges old assumptions about burnout and points toward new strategies for prevention and recovery (yourtango.com).

A widely used allergy medication, diphenhydramine—best known by the brand name Benadryl—is facing new scrutiny from health experts, who now argue that its risks outweigh its usefulness, particularly when safer alternatives are available. In a recent review published by leading allergy specialists from Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego, calls have intensified for this first-generation antihistamine to be pulled from over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription markets in the United States, igniting worldwide interest and concern, including in Thailand where similar medications are popular.

Individuals who use cannabis may face a markedly increased risk of developing oral cancer, with recent research suggesting that this risk could be similar to that experienced by cigarette smokers. This emerging evidence is raising concerns among health experts globally and is especially relevant for Thai policymakers, medical professionals, and the public as cannabis laws and usage patterns continue to shift in Thailand.

The latest study, summarized by Earth.com, provides robust evidence that regular cannabis users are at a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancers. Oral cancer, which encompasses cancers of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat, is already a major public health issue in Thailand and across Southeast Asia, with known risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel quid chewing. Now, cannabis can be added to this list of significant concerns.

Chocolate milk, a school canteen staple and beloved comfort beverage in Thailand, is gaining renewed scientific attention as an optimal drink for athletic recovery. Multiple recent research reviews signal that chocolate milk may outperform classic sports drinks and water for replenishing lost fluids, restoring energy, and enhancing post-exercise performance—an insight that challenges long-standing trends in the sports nutrition market (Men’s Health).

Many Thai athletes, gym-goers, and everyday active people are familiar with the dizzying array of sports drinks flooding store shelves with promises of performance and recovery. In the context of increasingly expensive and chemically complex sports nutrition products, the science-backed benefits of chocolate milk stand out as refreshingly simple, effective, and affordable. In a global environment where Thai consumers are ever more health-conscious but face rising food and beverage costs, this evidence offers practical value.

A familiar Thai favorite, chocolate milk, is gaining recognition as an effective athletic recovery drink that may surpass some premium sports beverages. Recent analyses indicate it supports fluid replenishment, energy restoration, and performance. The findings resonate with budget-conscious families across Thailand who seek practical nutrition without high costs.

Lead with accessible, evidence-based benefits that matter to everyday athletes: balanced recovery, convenience, and affordability. Thai researchers note that chocolate milk aligns with local habits and is widely available in convenience stores nationwide, making it a practical option for both students and recreational athletes.