News

A global surge in digital detox travel is reshaping how people vacation. A recent Booking.com survey shows 56% of travelers now prefer off-the-beaten-path getaways that prioritize seclusion and tranquility over crowded, highly connected destinations. From wood-fired hot tubs beside remote lakes to starlit beds on secluded islands, the trend signals a desire for personal renewal, lighter screens, and gentle adventure.

The shift resonates strongly with Thai readers who face rising digital overload and urban stress. Thailand’s tourism sector is exploring unplugged experiences that align with the country’s deep respect for nature and traditional healing practices found in places like Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi. Local operators are reimagining offerings to attract both domestic and international visitors seeking nature-based wellness.

A recent assessment from the World Meteorological Organization shows Asia is warming at twice the global rate. The findings underscore urgent adaptation needs for millions, including in Thailand, where heat waves, shifting rainfall, and rising seas threaten livelihoods.

For Thailand, the implications are personal. The country’s agriculture, coastal communities, and tourism-dependent regions are especially vulnerable to climate shocks. WMO notes that Asia’s rapid warming is driven mainly by its vast landmass, which heats up faster than the oceans and intensifies extreme weather. These changes ripple through farming, fisheries, and tourism—key pillars of Thailand’s economy.

In a world increasingly dominated by tracking devices, wellness routines, and strict dietary regimens, the pursuit of being “perfectly healthy” is coming under the microscope. A growing body of research and expert opinion now suggests that the quest for perfect health might, paradoxically, be undermining well-being. A recent article published on MindBodyGreen, featuring insights from a health entrepreneur, sheds light on the hidden costs of health perfectionism and encourages a shift towards a more balanced, humane approach to well-being (MindBodyGreen).

A global study identifies six core traits consistently linked to being seen as cool, regardless of culture. Extraversion, hedonism, power, adventurousness, openness, and autonomy emerge as universal indicators of coolness. The findings challenge the idea that style alone defines cool and suggest personality plays a central role in social perception—an insight highly relevant to Thai youth where image and social standing carry weight.

Researchers emphasize that understanding what makes someone cool goes beyond trends. The implications extend to friendships, group formation, and how audiences interpret influencers in media and society. In Thailand, where social judgments influence youth culture, branding, and education, these universal traits may shape how personalities are developed and presented.

A recent study spotlighted by Parents.com has captured the attention of families across the United States and beyond by ranking the states with the “happiest” families in America. The research, which surveyed aspects of well-being from emotional support to financial security, reveals surprising regional differences and underscores the growing global interest in family life quality. While this study centers on the American context, its findings and methodologies offer valuable takeaways for Thai readers concerned with family happiness, societal wellbeing, and work-life balance.

A growing body of research and clinical observation suggests that adult ADHD diagnosis is becoming increasingly inclusive – and contrary to common fears, it is not being overdiagnosed. As reported in a recent essay by a US clinical psychologist published on Aeon (aeon.co), the COVID-19 pandemic, rising mental health awareness, and shifts in diagnostic frameworks have all contributed to sharp increases in adult ADHD diagnoses worldwide, with profound implications for healthcare systems, patients, and policymakers, including those in Thailand.

A seismic shift is reverberating through the global scientific community as China firmly overtakes the United States to become the world’s leading science nation, marking a pivotal moment with profound ramifications for research, innovation, and international collaboration. This trend, explored in a recent commentary and substantiated by the latest data from the prestigious Nature Index, signals not just a changing of the guard but an acceleration of the gap in scientific output and influence between the two global superpowers.

A recent nationwide study of the United States highlights notable regional disparities in education. The 2025 WalletHub analysis of 150 major cities shows Texas metros performing poorly in some measures, while Austin stands out as a high-performing education hub. The contrast mirrors Thailand’s ongoing efforts to close urban–rural gaps in student achievement.

The WalletHub ranking uses 11 metrics, including adult education levels, public school quality, university reputation, and disparities by race and gender. Data are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau and other reputable sources. In Texas, the Brownsville–Harlingen and McAllen–Edinburg–Mission area sits lower on the list, while the Austin–Round Rock–Georgetown region ranks among the top national performers. National leaders include university hubs such as Ann Arbor, Durham, Madison, and San Jose.

Open, honest dialogue between parents and children is essential for healthy development in Thai families. When communication is strong, youths show better emotional health, fewer behavioral issues, and tighter family bonds. Trust is built through intentional actions that create a supportive home environment.

In Thailand, cultural norms around respect for elders and family hierarchy can suppress children’s voices. Yet Thai youths face mounting mental health challenges as society changes. Data from Thailand’s Department of Mental Health and UNICEF Thailand show a clear need for open dialogue to help young people navigate social media, school, and rapid change. Experts recommend internationally recognized strategies that can be thoughtfully adapted to Thai culture, providing practical tools for families.

A sweeping new study of over 3,500 university students has cast procrastination in a new, more troubling light: chronic delays are not just a time management problem, but a significant risk factor for mental and physical health issues. The research, coordinated by a team at Sophiahemmet University in Sweden and published this week in a major medical journal, revealed that habitual procrastinators were more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, upper body pain, and even financial difficulties, compared to their more punctual peers. These findings underscore the complex ways that psychological habits can reverberate through every aspect of health, echoing concerns that apply as much to Thai society as anywhere else in the world.

Digestive problems are rising worldwide, and Thailand is paying attention. In many countries, up to two-thirds of people report some gut issue. This trend signals potential challenges for Thai households as urban lifestyles, busy schedules, and stress increase. Hospitals report more visits for abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and related concerns, prompting urgent consideration beyond borders.

For Thai audiences, these developments matter because digestive diseases disrupt daily life, lower productivity, and raise healthcare costs. Recent health indicators in Bangkok and other major cities show parallel increases in gut and metabolic disorders, driven by modernization, diet shifts, and stress. global findings offer early lessons for families, communities, and policymakers in Thailand.

A new wave of research and expert commentary is shedding light on the pivotal role of parental behavior in encouraging children to share openly and honestly. Drawing on the lead from a popular article, “Parents Whose Kids Feel Safe Telling Them Everything & Anything Did These 8 Things Right” as published on YourTango, experts are highlighting practical ways Thai parents can nurture trust and communication within families, inspired by evolving global standards for child wellbeing.

A new study highlights a connection between intense romantic obsession, heavy social media use, and everyday cognitive challenges such as memory lapses and reduced attention. Involving 600 adults, the research explores how emotional dependence in relationships interacts with online behaviors, offering insights relevant to Thailand as dating norms and digital life continue to evolve.

Romantic obsession refers to a compulsive pattern of thoughts and behaviors focused on a partner. It can include urges to preserve the relationship, mood swings, distress when apart, and persistent rumination. The study deepens this understanding by examining how such attachment influences cognitive functioning in daily life. In Thailand, where relationship expectations and online presence are deeply woven into social norms, these findings resonate with local experiences of digital dating and boundary testing in public spaces.

A new perspective on African safaris shows that value and wildlife abundance peak outside the traditional dry season. For Thai travelers, the Emerald Season (March–April) and the Amber Season (November) deliver lush landscapes, thriving wildlife, and far fewer crowds, with the rainy-season transition adding dramatic scenery.

Modern flight routes make Africa more accessible for Thai holiday calendars. A veteran safari advisor with three decades of experience notes that off-peak periods often outperform peak season for photography, wildlife encounters, and overall serenity. The Emerald Season sees land turn green after rains, wildflowers bloom, and migratory birds arrive from the north. With calmer roads and fewer vehicles, observers can notice subtle animal behaviors and capture moody skies and vibrant backdrops.

A growing number of Thai families are exploring plant-based eating, driven by health, ethics, and environmental concerns. New international research highlights both potential advantages and nutritional risks of vegan diets for children. Careful planning and ongoing monitoring are essential to support healthy growth.

Vegan and plant-based eating is spreading globally, though prevalence varies by country. In Thailand, traditional Je vegetarian practices during the Vegetarian Festival remain culturally important, while lifelong veganism remains uncommon. With rising environmental awareness and health focus, more households are considering plant-based nutrition for both adults and children.

A new line of research suggests a gene-targeting approach could mimic the brain-protective effects of exercise, offering potential dementia prevention for Thailand’s aging population. The therapy targets pathways activated by physical activity, potentially helping elderly individuals who cannot engage in regular exercise due to mobility issues or advanced symptoms.

Thailand is undergoing a rapid demographic shift, with millions entering older age in the coming decade. Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline strain families, healthcare systems, and the broader economy. While exercise remains a cornerstone of brain health, many Thai seniors face barriers such as arthritis, chronic conditions, or limited access to fitness facilities.

The personal experience recounted in a recent Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece—of an individual forced to sever ties with conservative, immigrant parents after coming out as LGBTQ+—is not only poignant but also, sadly, emblematic of a wider pattern documented by international and Thai research. As dialogue around LGBTQ+ acceptance grows more visible in public and family spheres, scientists are compiling evidence that family rejection sharply increases mental health risks, but that targeted interventions and rising social support can, over time, help break cycles of alienation and trauma.

Financial anxiety is taking a toll on Thai sleep and mental health, according to recent research. A survey of 1,000 adults found that more than half report chronic sleep loss linked to money worries, with many relying on credit to cover essentials such as food and utilities. The findings point to a broader mental health challenge affecting families in cities and rural areas alike.

Rising living costs and job instability amplify stress and erode wellbeing. Financial strain shapes not only budgets but also psychological and physical health, affecting access to care and leading to exhaustion across demographics. Health professionals warn that economic pressure can degrade overall wellbeing and strain families’ ability to seek timely support.

Hawaii, often synonymous with idyllic beaches and dream holidays, is in the grip of an unexpectedly soft summer, with tourism numbers and travel bookings “significantly down”—a development causing deep concern among hospitality leaders, economists, and travel experts both in the US and worldwide. The trend, detailed in a recent report by SFGate, is not just a temporary dip but suggests ongoing challenges that hold insights for other international tourist destinations—Thailand included—still striving to recover and adapt after years of pandemic and disaster disruptions (SFGate).

Unresolved childhood trauma influences how adults think, feel, and behave. In Thailand, where family harmony is highly valued, recognizing these patterns is crucial as mental health awareness grows and seeking support becomes more accepted.

Thailand’s culture often emphasizes keeping up appearances and avoiding family conflict. This can mask painful childhood experiences. With expanding access to counseling and ongoing stigma reduction, early understanding of trauma-related traits is essential for individuals, families, and workplaces.

A personal account of coming out and parental rejection reflects a broader pattern seen in Thai research: family rejection can significantly harm mental health. Yet targeted support and growing social acceptance offer routes to healing and resilience for LGBTQ+ youth.

For Thai readers, this topic touches on love, faith, and tradition amid rapid social change. Thailand’s media increasingly celebrates gender diversity, but many families rooted in tradition or religion still struggle to accept identities that differ from longstanding norms. This tension shapes the daily reality of LGBTQ+ Thais, where public openness can clash with private hardship.

A growing body of research suggests that adult ADHD identification is becoming more inclusive rather than overdiagnosed. The latest analysis indicates that higher awareness, evolving diagnostic frameworks, and pandemic-driven shifts in daily life have expanded recognition of ADHD in adults. This trend has implications for healthcare systems, patients, and policymakers, including in Thailand.

The surge in awareness gained traction in 2023 when new national data showed a record share of adults reporting an ADHD diagnosis. Stimulant prescriptions rose in parallel, and conversations about ADHD surged online, with billions of views on social media. Similar patterns are emerging worldwide, including in Thailand, where work, study, and home life are placing greater demands on adults.

A recent slowdown in Hawaii’s tourism offers timely lessons for Thailand as it rebuilds after years of disruption. Hospitality leaders, economists, and travel experts say the pause underscores how fragile tourism-dependent economies can be, and how resilience hinges on smart planning.

Hawaii’s peak season, traditionally June to August, has not delivered the expected rebound. A leading travel advisor notes that June was the slowest in quite some time. While July and August show some momentum, the early-year surge many hoped for remains elusive. Researchers tracking Hawaii’s visitor data indicate that annual visitation has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, with full recovery not anticipated before 2028.

A growing body of research reveals that chronic loneliness carries health risks as severe as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, underscoring the urgent need for adults—both in Thailand and worldwide—to prioritize building and maintaining friendships. While many think of catching up over Line chats or enjoying a meal alone as harmless routines, experts warn that ongoing social isolation can lead to serious health consequences, including increased stress, high blood pressure, and even premature death. As modern lifestyles and convenience technologies further reduce spontaneous social encounters, psychologists and relational health experts are offering practical advice for combating adult loneliness and creating meaningful, lasting connections.