News

A wave of AI innovation is reshaping industries worldwide, prompting universities to rethink computer science curricula. In Thailand, the shift signals both caution and opportunity for students, educators, and policymakers as they prepare for an era where AI writes code and solves complex problems.

Thai learners are moving beyond the traditional path of “learning to code.” Generative AI tools can generate and debug software, challenging old topics while opening doors to new ways of thinking. Experts say these tools may soon match the performance of mid-level software engineers, highlighting the need to redefine what CS education should prioritize.

A rising trend in Thailand is reshaping family dynamics: more fathers are choosing stay-at-home roles to focus on caregiving as childcare costs rise and urban life intensifies. This shift accompanies broader social changes and evolving views on gender equality.

Traditionally, Thai society linked breadwinning to men and caregiving to women. Yet the past few years show a shift driven by economic pressures and changing attitudes. Data from the National Statistical Office show more Thai women entering the formal workforce, especially in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket, where two-income households are increasingly common. As women take on more work, some families reassess who should be the primary caregiver.

A growing body of psychological research is helping decode the subtle yet significant behaviors that indicate deep-seated insecurity—often lurking beneath a surface of confidence or apparent indifference. According to a recent evidence-backed report, eight telltale signs can signal when someone is grappling with insecurity without even realizing it—a finding that holds implications not only for personal wellbeing but also for Thai workplaces, schools, and families.

Insecurity, as described by psychologists, refers to a persistent sense of inadequacy that unconsciously guides thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In Thailand, where the value of “face” and social harmony often shape daily interactions, these hidden patterns may take on distinctive forms and consequences. Many individuals believe they are merely being themselves, but their repeated ways of reacting to feedback, comparison, relationships, or praise can reflect a deeper struggle for self-worth.

A new international study has turned a spotlight on the ever-elusive concept of “coolness,” revealing that the quality might be less about trendsetting or attitude, and more about six key personality traits. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, this research offers fresh insights not just into pop culture, but also into the ways global media and Western values shape our perceptions—even here in Thailand, where local and global cultures intersect constantly (NYTimes).

For many Thai parents, the hope for a close-knit family does not end when children become adults and move out. The desire to be visited—not just remembered or dutifully acknowledged—remains strong, especially as the years pass. A recent article published by VegOut Magazine unpacks eight key habits that parents should rethink if they want to foster visits driven by love rather than obligation as they age (VegOut Magazine, 2025). These insights offer a timely reminder as Thailand faces shifting familial dynamics under urbanisation and generational change.

Afghanistan is seeing a slow revival of tourism under Taliban rule, signaling both economic desperation and a push to reshape the country’s global image. The government, not yet recognized internationally, is inviting foreign visitors by highlighting potential revenue and cultural exchange, even as security risks remain high. For Thai readers, the situation offers insights into how travel can support or complicate a nation’s economy and human rights landscape.

Recent data from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Tourism show a cautious uptick in foreign visitors. Nearly 9,000 international travelers arrived in 2024, with about 3,000 more in the first quarter of 2025. While these numbers are modest next to regional peers, they mark a notable shift after decades of conflict that kept the country largely off the tourism map. The expansion is aided by streamlined visa processes and flights from hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul.

A new wave of Hollywood stars is redefining what it means to age gracefully, with familiar faces like Harrison Ford and Jane Fonda displaying remarkable vitality and physical agility well into their seventies and beyond. Recent interviews and expert insights, highlighted in a feature by Hello! Magazine, uncover how a combination of consistent exercise, proper nutrition, and social engagement keep these luminaries fitter than ever, challenging old stereotypes about aging and physical decline (Hello Magazine).

Universities across the globe must redefine their purpose to prioritize lifelong learning in an era dominated by artificial intelligence (AI), according to the president of Northeastern University, who warns that higher education risks becoming obsolete if it fails to adapt. Speaking during a keynote address at the event “Engineering the Future with Artificial Intelligence,” held at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, the Northeastern University president emphasized the urgent need for higher education to extend its focus beyond young students, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on both learning and society.

Recent global research has unveiled the surprising power of grandparenting to shape the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation—a finding that carries fresh resonance across Thai society as families navigate urbanization, shifting demographics, and evolving intergenerational roles. In a new era marked by aging populations and increasing longevity, the influence of grandparents is being rediscovered not only as a source of emotional nourishment, but as a foundation for cognitive and social development in grandchildren, bridging family culture, and preserving critical intergenerational wisdom.

The rapid expansion of computer science (CS) education in the United States is reshaping how students prepare for a tech-driven future. Yet new findings show young women are still significantly underrepresented in CS courses, raising questions about equality and the nation’s future innovation pipeline. Despite policy advances and broader course access, only about one-third of high school CS enrollments are girls, a share that has stubbornly persisted in recent years.

The rapid mainstreaming of computer science (CS) education in the United States is transforming how young people prepare for careers in the digital age—but new research shows that young women remain significantly underrepresented, raising concerns about equality, diversity, and the future of the nation’s technology workforce. Despite huge strides in CS education policy and school offerings, only about a third of high school students taking these courses are young women, a figure that has remained stubbornly consistent over recent years (csteachers.org; scholarshipinstitute.org).

Minor health signs, often brushed aside as trivial annoyances, are increasingly being identified by doctors and nurses globally as crucial warning signals of severe underlying conditions. In a recent viral report highlighted by medical professionals on BuzzFeed News, experts shared stories that emphasize how tiny, seemingly harmless symptoms can disguise life-threatening illnesses. This new awareness is fundamentally changing how both healthcare workers and the public view what they once labeled as “minor” issues—underscoring a significant lesson for people everywhere, including Thailand.

A groundbreaking study has highlighted timing and consistency of physical activity as the leading factors for increasing VO2 max—the core marker of cardiorespiratory fitness—as people age. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, are especially relevant for older adults in Thailand, where the aging population is expanding rapidly and public health efforts increasingly focus on healthy aging.

VO2 max, the measure of the maximum amount of oxygen the body can utilize during intense exercise, is more than just a benchmark for athletic performance. Across global research, it’s recognized as a powerful predictor of health span and longevity; higher VO2 max values are linked with lower risks of disease and longer, healthier lives. For Thais keen to maintain vitality and independence as they age, understanding how to optimize this measure is of growing importance (AOL article).

A recent study highlights when and how often older adults should be active to boost VO2 max, the key marker of cardiorespiratory fitness. Researchers found that exercising earlier in the day and keeping a regular routine were the strongest predictors of higher VO2 max as people age. The work, published in a leading sports science journal, draws on data from a large aging study and offers practical guidance for healthy aging in Thailand.

A growing wave of international travelers is swapping classic American holidays for European experiences. Travel experts say concerns about U.S. politics and higher travel costs are prompting a shift toward destinations with distinct European flavors and easier logistics. Reports highlight how iconic American moments—from California surf to New England cabins—are being reimagined through a European lens.

Across the last several months, travel data and industry notes point to a deliberate rethink of U.S. trips. Practical barriers like visa complexity and rising prices, alongside principled responses to policy debates, are shaping new itineraries across Europe—from sun-soaked beaches in Portugal to tranquil Finnish forests.

A new health conversation is taking over social media, and it centers on fiber. Thai readers are seeing posts that encourage swapping white rice for whole grains, piling in fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts. The trend, often labeled “fibermaxxing,” frames fiber as a key driver of gut health, weight management, and disease prevention. Nutrition experts welcome the shift, but stress the need for balanced, evidence-based guidance as Thai consumers explore this global movement.

Amid growing concerns among international holidaymakers about recent political and social developments in the United States, European destinations are enjoying a surge in popularity as travelers look for alternatives to classic American holidays. The latest travel research and expert commentary, as seen in The Guardian’s recent feature “Surfin’ USA? Not this year: 10 European alternatives to classic American holiday destinations”, highlights a marked trend: iconic US experiences, from California surfing to New England cabins, are being swapped for experiences with a distinctly European flavour.

A remarkable coalition of over 250 CEOs—including leaders from Microsoft, Airbnb, and Uber—has issued a joint call urging policymakers to make computer science and artificial intelligence (AI) education a mandatory part of school curricula in the United States. Their concerns arise as China directs children as young as six to attend formal AI classes, fueling fears that nations lacking such initiatives may fall dangerously behind in global technological competitiveness (Fortune).

New global research highlights how grandparenting shapes the health, identity, and resilience of the next generation. This insight resonates in Thailand as cities grow, families change, and intergenerational roles evolve. With aging populations and longer lifespans, grandparents are being rediscovered not only as emotional anchors but as contributors to cognitive and social development, while helping preserve family culture and wisdom.

Thai culture has long honored elders and supported multi-generational households. Yet recent reviews and analyses show grandparents influence more than caregiving; they shape values, coping skills, and social thriving. In a Thai context, grandparents often transmit patience, gratitude, and perseverance through shared meals, festivals, and daily routines that anchor children amid a fast-changing society.

A new study reveals that people with higher IQs are better at predicting life events, which leads to more informed choices. Led by the University of Bath’s School of Management and published in a leading psychology journal, the research highlights how intelligence influences everyday judgments about health, finances, and safety. For Thai readers, these insights help explain how knowledge can shape personal and national development.

Historically, researchers have linked intelligence to broad life outcomes such as income, education, and health. This study goes further by showing how cognitive ability affects probabilistic reasoning—the core skill behind risk assessment and decision making. In Thailand’s rapidly changing landscape, where households face more uncertainty, these findings resonate with efforts to build a knowledge-based society.

A groundbreaking new study has found that individuals with higher IQs possess a significantly greater ability to predict life events, resulting in better-informed decision-making. The research, led by the University of Bath’s School of Management and published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, sheds light on the crucial role intelligence plays not only in academic and occupational achievements but also in everyday judgments about health, finances, and personal safety. For Thai readers, understanding these findings could prove essential in navigating critical choices for both personal and national development.

A growing wave of Hollywood stars is reshaping how we view aging. Icons like Harrison Ford and Jane Fonda remain remarkably fit and mobile into their seventies and beyond. A recent feature highlights their routines—consistent exercise, smart nutrition, and social engagement—demonstrating that age is not a barrier to vitality. The story also resonates with Thai readers as Thailand faces a rapidly aging population and shifts toward “active aging” as a health priority.

New research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that ordinary search habits can quietly trap people in their own information bubbles. Across 21 experiments with nearly 10,000 participants, the study shows that the way we type queries and the responses we see from search engines shape our views, even when we don’t intend to seek confirmation. This has important implications for how Thais access health, education, culture, and travel information in a digital era.

Smells can linger in memory long after the scent fades, shaping mood and behavior. A new study from the University of Florida reveals how the brain assigns emotional value to odors, offering fresh insights for sensory health and potential clinical treatments. The research shows that odor experiences are not just about smell notes—they’re tied to deep brain circuits that determine what we find pleasant or aversive.

In Thailand, where street market aromas swirl and local foods like pla ra (fermented fish) and other pungent scents are integral to daily life, the subjective nature of “good” and “bad” smells is more than a curiosity. As Bangkok and other cities become more diverse, understanding how the brain chooses which odors to embrace could impact mental wellbeing and everyday experiences, including healthcare environments.