News

Meditation is widely praised for reducing stress, improving focus, and supporting mental health. In Thailand, where Buddhist tradition intersects with urban wellness programs and school curricula, meditation is becoming part of everyday life. New findings from Harvard Medicine’s Meditation Research Program show that for many practitioners, meditation can trigger unsettling experiences. This prompts important conversations about safety and guidance in mental health care.

A large Harvard study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that more than a third of adults who meditate report occasional altered states of consciousness. About one in eight experience moderate to severe distress after these episodes. The researchers stressed that these experiences can be vivid and transformative, ranging from altered perception to intense emotional reactions. The lead investigator noted these experiences are more common than many clinicians expect, underscoring the need for informed guidance in practice.

News is a powerful force in daily life, and new analyses show how we can stay informed without harming our mental health. Research from Monash University and Flinders University suggests that mindful engagement with media can protect well-being in Thailand and beyond.

In Thailand, mobile internet access means news flows through multiple channels—at home, work, and community spaces. For many families, staying informed is tied to civic duty and safety, making mindful engagement essential rather than optional.

A new study shows that positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence are linked to a greater risk of problematic social media use. For Thailand, where digital life is rapidly growing, the findings raise important questions for educators, parents, and policymakers about digital literacy and mental health.

Thailand is pushing forward with digital transformation in daily life and public services. Research cited by PsyPost indicates that people who view AI positively are more likely to engage in social media in ways that can become excessive or addictive. Data from Thailand shows widespread social media use and substantial daily screen time, underscoring the relevance of these results for Thai communities.

A recent study published in The Journal of Social Psychology has revealed a provocative link between national narcissism and emotional impairments, echoing global worries about rising divisiveness and prejudice. Individuals exhibiting high national narcissism—an extreme form of national pride characterized by a hunger for recognition and hypersensitivity to criticism—show diminished ability to understand both their own and others’ emotions. The research also connects these emotional deficits to increased tendencies toward dehumanization, affecting perceptions of both outsiders and fellow citizens within their own nation (PsyPost).

The impact of relentless, negative news cycles on mental health has come under fresh scrutiny following new research and expert commentary, highlighting a growing need for healthier ways to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. Recent analysis published by researchers from Monash University and Flinders University, as reported in ScienceAlert, suggests that while exposure to distressing news is almost unavoidable in contemporary society, engaging with news mindfully may help protect mental health and resilience for individuals in Thailand and worldwide (sciencealert.com).

A growing body of international research suggests that planned C-section births may be linked to a small increase in the risk of some childhood cancers, notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). While the absolute risk remains low, experts urge caution about non-medically indicated surgical births. The topic comes as elective C-sections rise in Thailand, prompting a closer look at medical necessity and long-term child health.

In Thailand, caesarean deliveries account for a notable portion of births, especially in cities. Health authorities continue to emphasize that C-sections should be reserved for medically necessary cases. Vaginal birth remains the safer, preferred option for most low-risk pregnancies, with elective surgeries minimized when no clear medical indication exists.

Adopted teenagers navigate the world of romance and relationships in much the same way as their non-adopted peers, according to new research published recently. The study, highlighted by PsyPost, challenges longstanding assumptions about adoption and adolescent adjustment, offering reassurance to families and educators in Thailand and around the world.

This finding is of particular significance in Thailand, where societal attitudes towards adoption have slowly shifted but misconceptions persist. Parents and educators often worry that adopted youths may struggle emotionally or socially in ways that their non-adopted counterparts do not—especially in areas as complex as teenage love, dating, and intimacy.

A recent study has revealed a compelling link between positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) and a greater susceptibility to problematic social media use, raising important questions for Thai society as digital technologies increasingly permeate daily life. This new research could reshape how educators, parents, and policymakers approach digital literacy and mental health in Thailand, especially as the nation rapidly adopts AI-driven platforms and social networks.

As Thailand continues to embrace digital transformation, both in private life and public policy, the question of how technology shapes human behavior is becoming more pressing. According to the study reported in PsyPost, researchers found that individuals with a more favorable view of AI technologies are more likely to develop patterns of social media use that may border on problematic or even addictive. This finding holds significance for a country like Thailand, noted for its high exposure to social media—recent surveys indicate that over 52 million Thais use social platforms, with many spending upwards of three hours per day online (DataReportal Thailand Report).

A recent health feature in Prevention magazine underscores an essential set of five exercises that medical experts recommend for everyone over age 50, reaffirming global and local strategies for maintaining strength, balance, and independence as Thais enter later life. With the country’s aging population expanding rapidly, Thailand’s public health and eldercare communities can take note of this evidence-based approach to combating age-related physical decline.

As life expectancy rises, Thailand faces the challenge of ensuring older adults remain healthy and independent for as long as possible. Declining muscle mass and flexibility are common with age—a phenomenon medical researchers call “sarcopenia”—but recent research and international health agencies stress that strength training, done safely, can counteract these trends. The set of exercises highlighted in recent Prevention and CDC recommendations reflects a consensus on foundational moves that target key muscle groups and preserve daily function (Prevention, CDC, My HealtheVet, Forbes Health).

Meditation, long celebrated as a path to tranquility, stress relief, and self-understanding, is now central to millions of lives globally and increasingly recommended by clinicians for anxiety and depression. Yet, recent research from Harvard Medical School’s Meditation Research Program uncovers a more complicated reality: for a significant number of practitioners, meditation can generate unsettling or even distressing experiences, sparking crucial new conversations in the mental health and wellness fields (Harvard Gazette).

A fresh wave of psychological research is offering valuable insights into why high-profile figures such as former US president Donald Trump—and other leaders with pronounced narcissistic traits—react so defensively, or even aggressively, when confronted with evidence of their own mistakes. Drawing on interviews, recent peer-reviewed studies, and organizational psychology, experts say these reactions are not just personality quirks, but reflect deeper dynamics in workplaces and governments worldwide—raising profound questions about power, accountability, and the future of leadership, including in Thailand’s evolving corporate, political, and academic environments.

An eye-opening new investigation is unraveling the hidden layers of the ultra-wealthy’s personal lives, revealing that vast fortunes do not necessarily insulate individuals from emotional challenges or problematic behaviors. Friends, aides, and associates of billionaires and multimillionaires have disclosed a tapestry of secrets, painting a picture of high drama, emotional volatility, and even compulsive hoarding behind closed doors—offering a rare look at the underbelly of luxury living.

This research, highlighted in a recent Daily Mail report, compiles anecdotes from those intimately familiar with the ultra-rich. Among the revelations: explosive tantrums triggered by minor inconveniences, elaborate rituals of control over staff, and shocking hoarding episodes where designer goods and prized objects accumulate in chaotic, unsanitary piles. Such accounts fundamentally challenge the public’s common perception of wealthy lifestyles as effortless, orderly, or immune to everyday anxieties.

Gut health is a cornerstone of wellness in Thailand and beyond. Recent science shows small dietary changes can strengthen digestion, gut microbiota, and overall wellbeing. Nine foods stand out for their potential to support a healthy gut, and they fit well with Thai meals to reinforce preventive health.

The digestive system harbors trillions of microorganisms that influence immunity, mood, and chronic disease risk. Modern life—processed foods, frequent antibiotic use, and stress—can disrupt this balance. Thailand’s health data show digestive issues remain a common reason people visit primary care clinics, underscoring the relevance of diet-based interventions.

A growing body of research and practical coaching supports a simple idea: targeting VO2 max—your body’s peak oxygen uptake—once a week can meaningfully improve health and longevity. For Thai readers, this approach offers a realistic way to protect heart and brain health without upending daily schedules.

Regular exercise remains essential, but experts are emphasizing high-intensity cardio that nudges the body toward its VO2 max. Thai athletes already enjoy Muay Thai, running, swimming, and cycling. A structured, weekly high-efficiency session could deliver strong protective benefits, especially for aging populations in Thailand where preventing non-communicable diseases is a national priority.

A new study shows that choosing activities that fit a person’s personality can make exercise more enjoyable and help people stick with it longer. Researchers tracked how individual traits influence responses to different workouts and highlighted implications for health in Thailand’s busy cities and close-knit communities.

The study, conducted at University College London, followed 132 adults aged 25 to 51. Participants completed personality assessments based on the Big Five model—extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness. After eight weeks, one group did structured cycling and strength training while a control group did light stretching. Results indicated higher enjoyment and greater benefits when activities aligned with personality.

A surge of recent research has raised global health alarms by linking planned caesarean section (C-section) births—a procedure now more common than ever—to an increased risk of certain childhood cancers, most notably acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common cancer among children. These findings, which have garnered substantial attention in international medical circles, could have profound implications for maternal and child health decisions in Thailand, where rates of elective C-sections are steadily rising (MSN HealthDay, International Journal of Cancer).

A new wave of psychological research suggests that, contrary to long-held beliefs about the dangers of anger, engaging with feelings of rage—specifically in the form of revenge fantasies—can play a pivotal role in the emotional processing and recovery of trauma survivors. According to a recent article by a leading trauma therapist published in Psychology Today, such fantasies may help restore feelings of empowerment and catalyse deeper healing, provided they are approached safely and under professional guidance (psychologytoday.com).

A large international study shows daily bowel habits reflect overall health and may influence chronic disease risk. Published in July 2024, the research from the Institute for Systems Biology analyzed gut bacteria, blood biomarkers, and genetics in more than 1,400 healthy adults. It identifies a “Goldilocks zone” of one to two bowel movements per day as linked to a healthier gut microbiome and lower markers of kidney and liver stress. The findings underscore how everyday routines can signal long-term wellbeing.

A new international study suggests that your bowel movement routine may be an important barometer for your overall health, with significant implications for chronic disease prevention and health promotion — including for Thais. Published in July 2024 in Cell Reports Medicine by the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB), the research reveals that people whose bowel habits fall into a “Goldilocks zone” of one to two bowel movements per day tend to have healthier gut bacteria and lower blood markers for kidney and liver disease, compared to those who go more or less often. This pioneering research, one of the largest to examine digestive habits in healthy adults, highlights how something as ordinary as your poop schedule can serve as a window into long-term wellbeing (Science Alert, ISB Science, WebMD).

Recent psychology insights suggest that, when guided by professionals, rage and revenge fantasies can aid emotional processing for trauma survivors. A trauma therapist notes that such fantasies may restore a sense of empowerment and support healing, rather than being merely destructive.

Anger is often framed as something to suppress. Yet the discussed case describes a survivor who endured a mass shooting and acknowledged intense revenge fantasies in therapy. Rather than judging these feelings, the therapist guided her to explore them in a confidential, clinical setting. The goal was to understand what the fantasies signified about safety and personal agency.

A recently published study has issued a global warning that a widespread gut bacterium, often carried without evident symptoms, could be responsible for millions of cases of stomach cancer in the coming decades. The research highlights the bacterium’s stealthy infection pattern, raising concern for public health officials and medical communities worldwide—including in Thailand, where prevalence rates and awareness levels remain comparatively low.

The study, which has been widely covered in international media such as the Times of India, identifies Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) as the culprit. This bacterium is known to inhabit the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population, typically without causing obvious symptoms. However, over time, persistent infection can trigger chronic inflammation, ulcers, and, for some, facilitate the development of gastric cancer—the world’s fifth most common malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.

A new health feature highlights five practical moves for anyone over 50. Medical professionals say these routines boost strength, balance, and independence, aligning with Thailand’s aging population and community health goals.

As life expectancy grows, Thailand faces rising demand to keep older adults healthy and autonomous. Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, can affect mobility and daily tasks. Safe strength training helps counter these changes. The exercises reflect a global consensus on foundational moves that build major muscle groups and support everyday function, adapted for Thai homes, clinics, and community centers.

A groundbreaking study published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Advances has revealed that everything we perceive visually is not in real time, but actually an average of what we saw up to 15 seconds ago—a revelation that could fundamentally reshape our understanding of human perception and consciousness. This research, led by teams from the University of Aberdeen and University of California, Berkeley, suggests our brains constantly merge recent visual history to present us with a stable, coherent world—essentially tricking us into viewing a smooth, illusionary reality (Popular Mechanics; Science.org; UNILAD).

A global study warns that the common gut bacterium Helicobacter pylori, often symptom-free, could drive millions of stomach cancer cases in coming decades. The findings underscore how quietly this infection spreads and the urgent need for targeted public health actions worldwide, including in Thailand where awareness and screening remain limited.

H. pylori inhabits the stomach lining of more than half the world’s population. While many experience no symptoms, persistent infection can lead to chronic inflammation and ulcers, and in some cases contribute to gastric cancer. As the world’s fifth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer deaths, stomach cancer warrants proactive prevention and early detection.