News

Mental health is increasingly understood as more than an individual issue. Relationships and social context play a central role in wellbeing. This perspective invites Thailand to rethink care in schools, workplaces, and communities.

Traditionally, psychology has treated the mind as separate from the body and surroundings. This view, rooted in long-standing theories, has shaped mental health systems worldwide, including in Thailand. Many diagnoses emphasize internal conflicts and cognitive patterns over the social web in which people live.

Global interest in Antarctica has surged, with about 125,000 visitors in the 2023–24 season up from under 8,000 three decades earlier. Researchers warn that without stronger protections, fragile ecosystems could suffer irreversible damage. Environmental and polar experts emphasize robust, enforceable safeguards to manage growing human activity.

For Thai readers, the issue resonates beyond conservation. It mirrors a worldwide boom in extreme and eco-friendly travel, trends that attract Thai adventurers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai agencies introduce Antarctic cruise options, it’s essential to understand the environmental costs.

A growing number of health-conscious Thai residents chase easier digestion and stronger immunity through gut-health supplements. Yet expert guidance and recent reviews suggest many popular products offer limited benefit and can even cause harm. Dietitians highlighted in a June 2025 analysis by EatingWell urge caution with over-the-counter probiotics, greens powders, digestive enzymes, and antacids, recommending a fiber-rich diet and healthy lifestyle as the foundation.

The topic hits home in Thailand, where the wellness market is expanding rapidly. Social media and aggressive marketing push consumers toward pills and powders as quick fixes for digestive concerns. The shift toward food-first strategies aligns with traditional Thai eating patterns, helping readers understand what works and what does not while protecting health and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

A growing wave of psychological research and theory is turning the spotlight away from the individual mind and highlighting the profound impact of relationships on mental health. New arguments from the field of relational psychology challenge the traditional view that mental disorders are rooted solely within the individual, calling for a social and interpersonal understanding of mental wellbeing—a perspective with sweeping implications for how Thai society approaches mental health care.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that scents can fundamentally alter decision-making in mammals by forging indirect associations in the brain—findings that may pave the way for innovative treatments for mental health conditions in humans. The new research, conducted by a multidisciplinary team led by a doctoral student and supervised by a leading neuroscientist, used behavioral experiments in mice to explore how the brain’s response to smells influences future choices—offering important insights for both science and society.

A recent study reveals that odors can subtly shape decision-making by forming indirect brain connections. For Thai audiences, the findings illuminate potential future therapies for mental health conditions while underscoring the practical value of everyday scents.

In the research, mice learned to associate a banana scent with a pleasant taste and an almond scent with a salty taste. Later, the banana scent was paired with an unpleasant event. The mice began avoiding the sweet taste whenever the banana odor appeared, even though the taste itself did not change. This demonstrates that decisions can be guided by indirect connections between sensory cues. The lead investigator explains that the brain creates an indirect link between the sweet taste and the aversive experience through its association with a specific smell.

A mere three minutes of slow, controlled breathing can significantly enhance a person’s ability to manage their emotional reactions, according to groundbreaking research published in Psychological Reports. The study, detailed in a recent report by PsyPost, demonstrates that this brief breathing exercise not only soothes negative feelings in the moment but also makes it easier for individuals to consciously regulate their emotional responses—offering potential benefits for mental health and daily stress management PsyPost.

A growing body of research links six small daily habits to happier, longer-lasting marriages. These actions don’t require costly retreats or intense therapy, yet they can boost daily happiness and relationship stability. The message resonates across Thailand, where family bonds remain central even as lifestyles shift.

In Thailand, family life is evolving with longer singlehood, shifting expectations, and rising divorce figures. Authorities say divorce rates have increased in recent years, underscoring the need for practical, evidence-based guidance that fits busy urban lives and rural routines alike. The six rituals offer accessible, science-based strategies that align with Thai customs and everyday routines.

As the international travel industry mounts a determined comeback after pandemic-era setbacks, new skepticism is emerging among would-be tourists, fueled by controversial ad campaigns and rising concerns over safety, reputation, and human rights in key destinations. A recent opinion column published in The Boston Globe on July 3, 2025, highlights a growing wave of “wayward tourism promotions” and the complex, often contradictory realities facing travelers in 2025, raising questions especially relevant for Thai travelers considering outbound journeys (Boston Globe).

A recent study spotlights five everyday “time vampires” that quietly steal hours from our day. For Thai readers, the findings land in a culture where busyness is valued, even as digital tools and services rise to support productivity.

In Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other urban centers, many Thais feel there is never enough time. The government and education sectors are exploring better work-life balance and mental wellbeing. Even a modest daily loss to these time vampires can add up to more than 60 hours annually—time that could be spent with family, on health, social activities, or personal growth. Data from reputable institutions underscores the value of mindful routines in a fast-paced society.

A naturally occurring compound, spermidine, is emerging as a powerful ally in the quest for a longer and healthier life, with recent research and expert opinions highlighting its potential benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair growth. Described as the “Swiss army knife of longevity” by leading figures in wellness research, spermidine’s allure comes from both scientific evidence and its availability in a range of foods that are familiar to Thai households.

Spermidine is gaining attention as a potential ally for longer, healthier living. Experts point to its possible benefits for the brain, heart, immune system, and even hair health. Wellbeing researchers call it a “Swiss army knife of longevity,” noting its presence in familiar foods and its growing scientific basis.

A longevity specialist from Oxford emphasizes spermidine’s role in cellular maintenance. The nutrient activates autophagy, a recycling process that clears damaged cells and may reduce aging and inflammation. As people age, natural production of spermidine declines, making dietary sources and supplements a topic of interest. Data from reputable studies suggests dietary intake can support long-term health goals.

A nationwide study in the United States reveals that pastors are counseling less, have fewer referral resources, and often feel isolated with personal struggles. Lifeway Research surveyed more than 1,500 evangelical and Black Protestant pastors, illustrating a shift in how faith leaders contribute to mental health care. The findings offer lessons for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand.

In Thailand, Buddhist monks and temple communities frequently serve as the first line of spiritual and emotional support, especially in rural areas where formal mental health care is limited. The American findings prompt Thai religious and community leaders to strengthen collaborations with professional services as demand for counseling grows and stigma around mental health persists.

Talking to pets as if they understand us may reflect and strengthen important emotional abilities for owners. As pet ownership grows in Thailand and worldwide, researchers are exploring how dialogue with animals relates to well-being and social connection. Recent findings point to seven distinct emotional strengths linked to this habit.

In Thailand, more households welcome animals—from Bangkok apartments to rural homes—prompting researchers to re-examine how dialogue with pets affects daily life. Studies suggest that treating pets as if they can understand language is more than play; it may align with traits like empathy, resilience, creativity, mindfulness, compassion, self-awareness, and optimism, which support mental health and social functioning.

A viral TikTok trend claiming that a large Coke and fries from McDonald’s can “cure” migraines has ignited widespread debate among doctors and health authorities, prompting new warnings about the dangers of relying on fast food as a health remedy. The so-called ‘McMigraine Meal’ first gained mainstream traction in May 2025, after a US-based neurologist described the fast-food fix as a “miraculous” solution for her chronic migraines. Her video, which has amassed nearly 10 million views, has spurred countless social media testimonials from migraine sufferers who say the combination offers at least temporary relief. However, medical experts have strongly cautioned that while some elements of the meal may have a short-lived impact, the overall approach could be risky—and for many, ultimately counterproductive.

A viral TikTok claim that a large Coke and fries from McDonald’s can cure migraines has sparked concern among Thai doctors and health officials. The trend surged in May 2025 after a U.S. neurologist described the fast-food fix as “miraculous.” With millions viewing the clip and numerous testimonials claiming temporary relief, experts warn that while some elements may offer brief respite, using fast food as medicine is risky and counterproductive.

A groundbreaking international study has found that certain human gut bacteria are capable of soaking up and storing toxic “forever chemicals,” a class of persistent pollutants known formally as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Researchers believe this unexpected microbial ability could form the basis of innovative probiotic therapies to help the human body rid itself of these hazardous substances, which are already widespread in Thailand’s environment and food chain. The findings offer new hope in the urgent battle against PFAS, which have been linked to a wide range of health risks worldwide.

A European study presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference and published in Human Reproduction reports microplastics in fluids around eggs and sperm. The findings raise urgent questions about fertility, long-term health, and the hidden costs of plastic dependence. For Thai audiences, the implications are especially relevant given rapid urban growth, Western-style diets, and widespread use of plastic containers.

Researchers analyzed follicular fluid from 29 women and semen from 22 men. Microplastics appeared in 69% of the women’s samples and 55% of the men’s samples. Detected materials included PTFE, polypropylene, polystyrene, and PET—items once common in nonstick cookware, packaging, and synthetic textiles. The study highlights how pervasive microplastics can be inside the human body.

A viral wellness trend on TikTok has popularized an alcohol-free drink called the cortisol cocktail. Followers mix coconut water, orange juice, lemon, magnesium powder, sea salt, and sometimes sparkling water. Creators claim the beverage lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and improves sleep, relaxation, and even weight management. Medical experts urge caution and point to the lack of solid clinical evidence.

In Thailand, creators have adapted the recipe with regional twists—different citrus varieties and Thai coconut water brands—sharing personal stories of calmer days after drinking it. The trend mirrors a broader concern: stress is widespread in fast-paced urban life, from Bangkok to smaller towns. Data from mental health authorities show rising reports of stress and burnout among workers and students, underscoring the need for safe, evidence-based coping strategies.

A new study reveals that what we perceive as the present may lag real-time events by up to 15 seconds. This challenges traditional views of vision and has implications for education, safety, and cognitive science. Neuroscience researchers describe the brain’s visual buffer as merging recent stimuli into a stable image, creating a natural lag between events and conscious experience. The mind effectively uses a rolling average of input to maintain continuity, but this comes at the cost of precise timing.

A recent wave of online curiosity has swept across social media as people around the world—and in Thailand—are suddenly realizing what the ‘G’ in “5G” mobile networks actually means. While many use the phrase 5G daily, a fresh spate of viral posts, prompted by media coverage such as a recent Daily Mail article, highlights a remarkable fact: a large segment of the public only recently learned that the ‘G’ simply stands for “generation.”

A new wellness trend known as the “cortisol cocktail” has taken TikTok by storm, with users around the world — including in Thailand — mixing up alcohol-free mocktails touted to reduce stress and lower the body’s main stress hormone, cortisol. But while influencers and wellness bloggers swear by the drink’s benefits, medical experts remain skeptical, emphasizing the lack of robust clinical evidence supporting these claims and urging caution for certain groups of people.

Raising Generation Alpha, children born between 2010 and 2024, has become one of the most hotly debated topics among parents, educators, and researchers worldwide. Sparked anew by a recent firsthand essay in Spiked and reinforced by major new findings from Thai and global scholars, the reality of parenting in this digital, progressive, and complex era defies simple stereotypes. With Thai families encountering both unique opportunities and daunting dilemmas, the question of how best to nurture the youngest cohort remains deeply relevant and, at times, fraught.

A new study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science has discovered that everyday sounds—such as coughing and sniffling—could significantly undermine one’s ability to learn, even when these noises are not perceived as especially distracting. This research highlights how the human brain is evolutionarily wired to detect potential signs of illness, potentially drawing attention away from important academic or professional tasks. Conducted among undergraduates in the United States, the findings are being discussed worldwide and may have profound implications for classrooms, offices, and other shared environments in Thailand, especially as the nation grapples with evolving public health awareness and the demands for effective learning environments (psypost.org).