A growing body of research shows that spending time at the beach isn’t just a holiday indulgence—it can be a powerful way to improve mental health and overall well-being, often referred to as “sea therapy.” The latest studies reinforce what many Thais have long sensed: proximity to blue spaces, including beaches, rivers, and lakes, can lift mood, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community and connection, making “beach days” more than a leisure activity but a practical mental health intervention.
This topic is especially relevant for Thai readers, as the Kingdom is home to more than 3,000 kilometers of coastline, world-famous resorts, and everyday communities that depend on the sea. Whether it’s local families in Phuket gathering at sunset, or city dwellers escaping to Pattaya for the weekend, the beach is woven into the fabric of Thai culture. In post-pandemic times, as anxiety, isolation, and stress levels remain a concern both domestically and worldwide, understanding the science behind beach benefits could encourage more purposeful engagement with Thailand’s coastal treasures.
Recent investigations highlighted by international media, such as Fox News and National Geographic, have drawn attention to the “sea therapy” phenomenon. Their coverage is backed by advances in environmental and mental health research. According to a May 2025 National Geographic science feature, researchers increasingly find that visiting the coast can alleviate stress, increase physical activity, help regulate sleep cycles, and—even more remarkably—change how individuals experience and cope with pain (National Geographic, 2025).
The concept of “blue health”—the study of how blue spaces like oceans, rivers, or lakes affect human health—has gained scientific currency in recent years. The European-funded BlueHealth Project and systematic reviews, such as the one published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, have shown that regular exposure to blue spaces correlates with lower risks of depression and anxiety, especially among urban dwellers (PubMed, 2021). While most early research originated in Europe and North America, similar patterns have emerged in Thailand and Southeast Asia. For instance, a Bangkok-based study found that green space access promoted positive mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting similar benefits may extend to blue spaces (ResearchGate: Urban green space visitation in Bangkok, 2024).
But why does the beach have such restorative power? Scholars have proposed multiple mechanisms. First, the sensory experience of being by the sea—hearing waves, feeling the sand, smelling salty air—can trigger relaxation responses, lower blood pressure, and balance cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress (National Geographic, 2025). Second, beaches encourage physical movement: swimming, walking, games, and play all contribute to mental and physical health. Social interaction is another factor; beaches are natural gathering places where positive social contacts can buffer against loneliness and depression. Lastly, the openness and beauty of the ocean can inspire awe—a psychological state that science increasingly connects to resilience and creativity.
In Thailand, marine researchers and public health officials have observed related phenomena. A marine environment specialist with the Thai Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation noted in a recent policy forum that “beaches are not only vital for ecology and tourism, but also for local mental health, especially in fishing and coastal communities where cultural rituals take place at the sea edge.” Similarly, a psychiatrist with a prominent Bangkok hospital has pointed to the unique tranquility afforded by Thailand’s coastlines, describing seaside visits as “a low-cost buffer for urban stress.”
Such expert perspectives resonate with lived experiences across the country. Think of the annual Loy Krathong festival, where Thais gather at waterways to float offerings as a symbolic release of worries, or the tradition of monastic retreats in seaside temples—both culturally embedded practices that align with the blue health paradigm.
Intriguingly, the mental boost from beach visits isn’t reserved for those with private means. Multiple studies show that even brief, cost-free contact with blue spaces—public beaches, riversides, or community ponds—can yield positive outcomes (ScienceDirect, 2022). For Thailand, where income disparities can dictate access to vacation resources, this finding is particularly encouraging. The democratization of blue space access could be a powerful tool for national mental wellness, especially as urbanization puts psychological and environmental pressures on city residents.
Importantly, a 2024 study published in the Journal of Urban Mental Health found that spending just two hours a week in a blue environment, such as a natural beach or a river park, led to “statistically significant” improvements in mood and reductions in anxiety symptoms—even adjusting for socioeconomic status and pre-existing health conditions. These results mirror initiatives by the Thai Ministry of Public Health, which has begun partnering with local governments to open up waterfronts and preserve accessible coastal areas for public use (Wiley Online Library, 2024).
The rise in “beach therapy” has also intersected with global environmental movements. As highlighted by a July 2024 report in Phys.org, community beach cleans have a double effect: not only do they benefit the marine environment, but they also provide mental health rewards. Participating in such activities builds a sense of purpose and group belonging—an effect increasingly capitalized upon by Thai youth organizations and coastal NGOs (Phys.org, 2024).
Thailand faces distinct pressures as it balances booming coastal tourism, environmental preservation, and public health needs. Overcrowding of popular sites, marine pollution, and shoreline development have reduced some communities’ access to traditional beach spaces. This challenges policymakers to integrate mental health outcomes into coastal zoning and urban planning decisions. A city planner from Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization recently emphasized, “Protecting our beaches is not just about tourism—it’s about safeguarding our citizens’ ability to live well and feel well.”
Looking ahead, as Thailand contends with rapid urban expansion, leveraging the healing potential of blue spaces will likely become even more important. International frameworks developed by the World Health Organization urge governments to incorporate access to natural spaces—including beaches—into health equity strategies (WHO Blue Spaces Policy Brief, 2022). For Thai communities, this could mean investing in clean-up infrastructure, safe public transport links to coastal areas, and education programs that promote respectful, sustainable use of marine environments.
The evidence is clear: spending time by the sea—whether on the bustling beaches of Phuket or the quieter stretches of Trat—can be a practical, accessible, and enjoyable way to ease daily stress, improve mood, and boost overall mental health. As one Thai psychologist specializing in community wellness explained, “We should consider blue space not only as a natural resource but as a community health asset. Simple moments at the sea can have ripple effects that last far beyond the beach.”
For readers seeking a practical takeaway, health experts suggest aiming for at least two hours of “blue space time” per week, whether at the ocean, a river, or a lakeside park. For those in Bangkok and other urban centers, look for public waterfront parks and events that encourage safe, inclusive sea access. Community groups and schools can embrace “blue health” by organizing trips or clean-up events at local beaches, making the mental health benefits available for young people and families alike.
In summary, while the phrase “beach therapy” might sound whimsical, it is grounded in robust science with clear implications for Thai health and society. With thoughtful policy and informed personal choices, the Kingdom’s natural waters can serve as a foundation for collective well-being in years to come.
Sources:
- Fox News: Beach days benefit mental health and well-being as visits provide ‘sea therapy’
- National Geographic, 2025: Going to the beach is good for your brain, according to science
- Phys.org, 2024: Beach cleans boost mental health
- Wiley Online Library: Blue space and well-being
- ResearchGate: Urban green space visitation and mental health in Bangkok
- WHO Blue Spaces Policy Brief, 2022
- ScienceDirect: Exposure to blue spaces in young people
- PubMed: Green and Blue Spaces and Mental Health