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.
The latest research, as cited in both academic and news sources, points to the effectiveness of CBT, ACT, and PRT in retraining how the brain perceives and processes pain. A 2025 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA found that telehealth-delivered CBT skills training was effective as a first-line, nonpharmacologic treatment for chronic pain, making it accessible even in rural or overstretched healthcare settings (PubMed). According to a leading Thai pain management specialist at a Bangkok hospital, “The psychological aspect of chronic pain is often underestimated. When we address fear, stress, and unhelpful thought patterns, we see significant improvements in our patients’ quality of life.”
CBT, the most widely researched of the three, involves identifying and altering negative thought patterns that amplify pain and disability. It teaches patients to recognize distortions such as catastrophizing (“I’ll never get better”) and replace them with more realistic, empowering perspectives. This skill-building approach also encourages gradual activity and relaxation techniques, which can counteract the painful cycle of limited movement, fear, and social withdrawal seen in chronic pain sufferers (Wikipedia).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) builds on this by helping individuals accept their pain rather than engaging in a constant, exhausting struggle to eliminate it. Through mindfulness and values-driven action, ACT teaches patients to “make space” for discomfort and commit to living a meaningful life—even if pain persists (Wikipedia). The technique’s roots date back to the 1980s, with protocols now adapted for brief clinical encounters or ongoing support.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is newer, but gaining traction based on its focus on retraining the brain’s habitual response to pain signals. Instead of avoidance or hypervigilance, PRT uses guided exercises to help patients reinterpret pain as less threatening and less central to their identity (Wikipedia). International guidelines now recommend combining psychological approaches with suitable physical activity and social support, stressing that pain management is most effective when tailored to the patient’s beliefs, strengths, and resources.
For Thailand, these advances hold special promise. The country faces a rising tide of chronic diseases associated with pain—including diabetes, osteoarthritis, and long-term consequences of injuries from motorcycle accidents, which remain a leading cause of disability locally. Yet access to pain specialists, especially outside Bangkok and other urban areas, is limited. Bridging this gap, a study published in 2025 found that telehealth and online CBT interventions showed significant benefits even among high-impact chronic pain sufferers, a model easily scalable given Thailand’s growing digital health infrastructure (JAMA Clinical Trial).
Thai healthcare officials have also started to incorporate some mindfulness-based elements from ACT into public hospital programs, drawing on cultural traditions of meditation and acceptance rooted in Buddhism. As noted by a senior psychologist at a Chiang Mai rehabilitation center, “Many Thais already possess foundational skills for acceptance and mindfulness. Integrating these within formal therapy lets patients build on their heritage in a supportive, scientific way.”
While some critics question whether psychological therapies can match pain relief offered by medication, leading pain societies emphasize these approaches are best seen as complementary—not replacements for medical care when needed. Indeed, over-reliance on medications has spurred global efforts to curb unnecessary prescriptions and address opioid misuse, an issue of growing concern in Southeast Asia (Washington Post Well+Being).
Looking ahead, greater awareness and destigmatization of pain psychology are needed to ensure more Thais benefit from these tools. Historically, Thai culture has valued stoicism, with some patients feeling shame about reporting pain or seeking mental health support. Educational campaigns, both in urban centers and rural provinces, will be necessary to change perceptions and highlight the legitimacy of psychological suffering as part of the chronic pain experience.
Practical recommendations for Thai readers include: seeking out multidisciplinary pain clinics where both medical and psychological support are available; discussing with healthcare providers the possibility of online or telehealth CBT or ACT programs (especially if local services are scarce); and using trusted Thai-language health portals to learn more about self-management skills. Community organizations can also play a key role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and sharing resources in local dialects.
In sum, the latest research underscores that relief from chronic pain is possible—not just through pills or procedures, but by leveraging the mind’s remarkable capacity for adaptation and resilience. As Thai healthcare moves toward more holistic, person-centered models, blending the best of global science with local culture, persistent pain need not define the rest of life.
Sources:
- Washington Post – Three techniques to help deal with persistent pain
- JAMA Clinical Trial: Telehealth and Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Treatments for High-Impact Chronic Pain
- Wikipedia: Cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic pain
- Wikipedia: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Wikipedia: Pain Reprocessing Therapy
- Washington Post Well+Being