New global research highlights how spending time near water—known as “blue spaces”—could have surprising benefits for both physical and mental health, sparking renewed interest among public health experts and wellness advocates in Thailand. Inspired by the latest scientific reports, experts are now encouraging Thais to explore nearby aquatic environments as a practical and culturally resonant path to boosting everyday wellness.
The concept of “blue health”—the idea that lakes, rivers, seas, and other water bodies offer unique psychological and physical advantages—has gained significant traction. Recent studies cited in international publications including a July 2025 Washington Post investigation reveal that exposure to aquatic scenery does more than provide a picturesque escape: it measurably improves mood, supports social relationships, and even reduces pain and stress.
For Thai readers living in a land famed for its beaches, canals, and rivers, this scientific trend carries both immediate relevance and cultural resonance. The enduring popularity of destinations such as Phuket, Koh Samui, and the banks of the Chao Phraya River reflects a longstanding national affinity with water. However, experts now urge Thais to look beyond vacationing and consider daily or weekly interactions with blue spaces for personal health benefits.
What sets blue spaces apart from traditional “green spaces”—parks, gardens, and forests—is the way water seems to engage the brain and body. Dr. Craig McDougall, a researcher on nature’s influence at the University of Exeter, explains that blue environments gently encourage people to move: “Whether you’re walking around a lake or swimming in one, there’s a physical dimension that’s vital for a healthier body and brain.” In fact, studies show that people are likely to spend more time exercising in or near water compared to green or urban settings, possibly because they lose track of time and feel more relaxed.
Additionally, aquatic areas provide environmental perks, including noise buffering and improved air quality. Research published in Environmental Research in 2020 highlighted that blue spaces can help mitigate urban noise, cool city temperatures, and improve air—key issues for many Thai cities coping with heat and pollution.
But the most profound impact of blue spaces may be psychological. Dr. Mat White, an environmental psychologist at the University of Vienna, notes that “people who simply look at blue and green spaces more regularly tend to get better sleep, experience less antidepressant use, and feel more resilient.” A particularly compelling study published in Nature Communications in 2025 used brain scans to reveal that people reported—and neurologically experienced—less pain when viewing virtual images of natural water scenes than when looking at urban or indoor environments. According to Dr. White, “At the very early stages of attention, people aren’t feeling pain because they’re mindful of watching what the water’s doing.”
This effect is rooted in what psychologists call “soft fascination”: water’s rhythmic, ever-changing qualities gently hold our attention, allowing our minds to rest and recover from daily stresses. Dr. Cindy Frantz, a social and environmental psychologist, adds, “Unlike a busy city street or a computer screen, the rate at which stimuli are coming at us in nature is much slower.” The soothing sounds of lake waves, the sight of river currents, and the scent of fresh water work together to cut through overwhelming “mental chatter,” promoting emotional calm.
For Thais, the connection between water and well-being is hardly new. From the Songkran water festival—when communities come together to cleanse and celebrate with water—to traditions of offering lotus flowers at riverside temples, water is woven into spiritual and social life. Waterways have long served as gathering places for friends and families, further supporting the finding that blue spaces foster social bonds and positive emotions.
Expert advice on maximizing blue health benefits centers on intentional and mindful engagement. The research suggests that at least two hours spent in nature each week—the equivalent of four 30-minute visits or a single extended walk—can make a noticeable difference. For Thais living in Bangkok or other urban areas, this could mean visiting public parks with lakes such as Lumpini or Benjakitti, strolling along canal promenades, or making short trips to beaches or rivers outside the city.
Crucially, the research stresses the importance of being present. “Focus on the sparkling light bouncing off the water, the movement of currents, the trickle of sounds, and the smells around you,” encourages Dr. Frantz. Experts strongly advise resisting the urge to check phones during these moments, as mindful absorption in the environment enhances the therapeutic effect.
Physical immersion—dipping feet in the water or swimming—is also uniquely effective. Aquatic sociologist Dr. Catherine Kelly, whose own grief recovery inspired years of waterfront research, describes how water “invites a visceral response that you don’t get in the same way walking through a forest.” This phenomenon may be familiar to anyone who has felt an immediate shift in mood after splashing in the Gulf of Thailand or watching sunset colours ripple on the Andaman Sea.
While much of the evidence comes from self-reported surveys, a rapidly growing number of controlled studies support the validity of these benefits. Researchers continue to develop creative methods for measuring the health impacts of blue spaces, including the use of virtual reality and neuroimaging.
For Thailand, where urbanization increasingly distances people from natural waterways, these findings suggest a need to protect existing blue spaces and ensure equitable access for all. City planners and public health officials could take inspiration from global “blue infrastructure” initiatives, investing in riverside parks, accessible walkways, and the rehabilitation of canals—not just as environmental projects but as public health investments with far-reaching payoff.
Looking ahead, experts predict that blue health will play a more visible role in wellness policy, tourism, and daily life. Schools might integrate lessons on water mindfulness; healthcare providers could recommend “blue prescriptions” alongside traditional therapies; and community leaders may organize riverside wellness activities to strengthen social solidarity and mental resilience.
For individual Thai readers curious to test these benefits, experts recommend four practical steps:
- Explore: Seek out new or familiar blue spaces, whether coastal, riverside, or even urban ponds.
- Be intentional: Spend time observing the water directly, focusing your senses and putting away distractions.
- Engage physically: Swim, wade, or simply touch the water if safe and comfortable.
- Reflect: Use time near water for relaxation, connection with others, or gentle physical activity.
Ultimately, as research continues to affirm the health-giving power of water, embracing blue spaces may become as vital to modern Thai living as any traditional wellness practice—a natural antidote to the stresses of a changing world.
For more information on global blue health research, readers can review recent studies summarized in the Washington Post coverage (Washington Post), Environmental Research (Environmental Research), and the 2025 Nature Communications paper (Nature Communications).