In an era saturated with information, artificial intelligence, and rapid social change, recent scientific research is shedding new light on a timeless human trait: intuition. Once dismissed as mystical or unreliable, intuition is now emerging as a sophisticated mental tool—though one that demands careful cultivation and scrutiny for effective use in daily life and decision-making. Experts argue that in the face of overwhelming data and uncertainty, a well-honed intuition could be the inner compass modern Thais need more than ever.
The surge of public interest in intuition arrives amid chaotic times, with both everyday Thais and professionals confronting complex challenges that defy simple, rational solutions. As highlighted in a recent essay in Time Magazine, while logic and data analytics are invaluable, intuition offers a different, but equally crucial, type of intelligence—one that helps people process ambiguity, “read the room,” and make split-second judgments when information is incomplete or overwhelming (Time.com). The science underlying intuition, however, is far from simple.
Foundationally, intuition is a product of the rapid, unconscious processes within our brains that synthesize past experiences, patterns, and emotions to guide current choices. Leading cognitive scientists and neuroscientists now recognize that such “gut feelings” represent a form of expertise—an ability by our brains to make swift predictions based on massive amounts of lived data (irc.umbc.edu). In a 2025 analysis published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that intuition and so-called “flow states”—periods of effortless clarity and action, not unlike what athletes describe as being “in the zone”—are rooted in systems-level neural dynamics, particularly in regions of the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. These states allow humans to respond fluidly and adaptively to their environment (PMC11700884).
But science warns not all intuition can be trusted. According to a 2024 review in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, biases and “misintuition” can lead to deeply flawed decisions, especially in unfamiliar or emotionally charged settings. Dr. Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and noted researcher on the hemispheric specialization of the brain, was quoted: “How we pay attention is a moral act. What we pay attention to changes us and the world.” These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between genuine intuitive expertise—built from practice and exposure—and snap judgments or prejudices masquerading as instinct (Time.com).
This dual nature of intuition has resonated in the Thai context, where social harmony and face-saving are crucial and where reading subtle nonverbal cues is often more valuable than direct confrontation. “Thais have always relied on what we tongue-in-cheek call ‘sensing the air’—reading the emotional undercurrent of a room before acting or speaking,” said a lecturer in psychology from a major Bangkok university. This deep cultural intuition is both a strength and a potential source of misunderstanding, particularly as Thailand globalizes and contends with multicultural dynamics.
Recent advances in neuroimaging have allowed scientists to peer into the intuitive mind in unprecedented detail. Studies published in 2023 and 2024 outlined how brain regions involved in intuition overlap with those responsible for emotional processing, memory recall, and moral judgment (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). One such study investigated the link between intuitive cognitive style and leadership, finding that leaders who scored high on intuition were better at navigating ambiguous social situations—a trait invaluable for managing Thailand’s complex healthcare and education reforms (lerner.udel.edu).
However, researchers caution that intuition can also act as a “cognitive shortcut” that may lead to stereotype-driven errors or “groupthink.” “In the business world, intuition can be both a superpower and a liability,” noted a business school professor in Thailand. “Too much reliance on gut feel, without evidence or data, can perpetuate outdated hierarchies or social biases.” This is particularly pertinent as the Thai economy modernizes and digital literacy expands, making data-driven decision-making ever more essential.
One fascinating line of research now looks at how people can intentionally train their intuition. A recent comparison between intuition and “flow” states published in January 2025 suggests mindfulness, reflective practices, and feedback-rich environments can help separate genuine insight from knee-jerk reaction (PMC11700884). Iceland’s poetic concept of InnSæi, or “the sea within,” as referenced in the Time essay, echoes ancient Thai Buddhist values: cultivating awareness of one’s mental and bodily states, recognizing fleeting emotional patterns, and learning to “see things as they are.” These practices, common in Thai mindfulness and meditation traditions (such as those taught at Wat Mahathat in Bangkok), may actually serve as powerful tools for tuning intuition and combating cognitive biases.
Another promising frontier involves the use of technology to examine and even enhance intuitive judgment. A 2025 study from Boston University School of Medicine found that consumer-grade digital devices like smartphones and wearable tech are capable of tracking the brain’s health—opening the possibility that, in the future, Thais may use apps or devices to monitor and refine their intuitive capabilities (bumc.bu.edu). For teachers, executives, and healthcare practitioners, such tools could dramatically improve situational awareness and responsiveness.
While the scientific understanding of intuition is still evolving, recent work points to a series of actionable conclusions for Thai readers. First, intuition is neither infallible nor inherently flawed but should be regarded as a skill—one intertwined with lived experience, cultural context, and emotional intelligence. Practicing mindfulness, routinely reflecting on past successes and mistakes, and balancing intuitive insight with evidence-based reasoning can sharpen this “inner compass.”
Second, as Thai society continues its rapid modernization, the tension between tradition and innovation will intensify. Navigating this dynamic landscape will require harnessing the best of both worlds: the wisdom of intuitive knowing and the rigor of disciplined analysis. As complex decisions become the norm, a Thai approach anchored in cultural sensitivity, self-awareness, and openness to feedback—aligned with the latest international research—will ensure intuition remains a valuable, adaptable resource.
Finally, an actionable step for all Thais: invest time in activities that foster self-reflection, such as meditation, journaling, and slow walks in nature—a recommendation borne out by both Buddhist tradition and neuroscience. By listening to your “sea within,” tuning your attention to both your emotions and your environment, and cross-examining your instincts with reason and evidence, you can use intuition as a tool for personal resilience and collective progress amid today’s uncertainties.
For those eager to delve deeper, further reading from sources such as the National Institutes of Health, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and recent features from Time Magazine and academic journals in neuroscience provide a robust foundation for understanding the science—and art—of intuition (Time.com, irc.umbc.edu, PMC11700884, bumc.bu.edu).