News

A groundbreaking psychology study published in the Journal of Research in Personality has uncovered that people around the world—including potentially in Thailand—tend to make strong, consistent judgments about a person’s personality based solely on their tattoos, but these assessments are usually inaccurate. Only tattoos judged to be particularly “wacky” or unusual line up, to a modest degree, with reality: such tattoos are linked with higher openness to new experiences, according to the researchers (PsyPost).

A breakthrough study from San Francisco State University has identified three simple interview questions that could effectively flag narcissistic tendencies in job applicants—a finding with important implications for Thai workplaces concerned about team dynamics and organisational health. The research, published in June 2025 and highlighted by Psychology Today, responds to a growing need for practical screening tools that can efficiently identify problematic personalities before they impact the work environment or company culture (Psychology Today).

A recent analysis has given fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals a clearer picture of the average male bicep size, sparking discussions about what these numbers mean for overall health and strength—and how anyone can go beyond them through effective training. The newly collated data, derived from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), provides concrete benchmarks for men’s midarm circumference across age groups. For many Thais invested in personal fitness or those concerned about muscle health in the context of ageing, these findings hold practical significance and present actionable guidance.

Open-ocean swimming has surged in popularity worldwide, and Thai beach communities are embracing the trend as a dynamic form of exercise and mental wellness. While the sea offers a powerful workout and a deep sense of connection to nature, experts warn that open-water swimming comes with real risks that require preparation and caution.

Globally, ocean swimming is praised for its layered health benefits. A growing body of journalism highlights how sea swimming can reduce stress, boost mood, and improve fitness. Research from reputable institutions notes that the calm, expansive ocean can produce mind-calming effects similar to forest bathing—a practice from Japan focused on immersing the senses in nature. For Thai readers along the Andaman and Gulf coasts, these findings resonate with local traditions that emphasize harmony with the sea as part of daily life and spiritual practice.

As Thailand’s beach season draws crowds to the sea, open-ocean swimming is making waves as one of the world’s most invigorating health trends. Not only does a swim in the blue offer a dynamic workout for body and mind, but new research and expert commentary reveal its benefits extend far beyond ordinary exercise—even as real risks lurk beneath the surface. For Thais, whose nation is surrounded by world-renowned coastlines, the findings shed light on both opportunities and precautions for embracing this growing phenomenon.

A new report highlights the under-recognized symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, a common but often neglected health concern that affects millions worldwide, including a growing number of Thais. With many people staying indoors, relying on processed foods, and living busy urban lifestyles, the classic “sunshine vitamin” is in short supply for large segments of the population—sometimes with serious health consequences (Times of India).

Vitamin D is essential not only for bone health but also for crucial roles in immunity, muscle strength, mood regulation, and even skin and dental repair. Yet, according to the latest research and clinical practice, most people fail to connect vague daily symptoms to an underlying deficiency—potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. As lifestyles in Thai cities become more sedentary and sun exposure limited, public health experts warn that vitamin D deficiency may become a growing silent epidemic, especially among office workers, the elderly, and those with limited access to outdoor spaces.

A surge of public resistance to generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining momentum, with consumers, workers, and local communities voicing sharp criticism against what many see as the unchecked advance of disruptive technology. Recent events, such as the backlash against Duolingo’s shift to an “AI-first” model and the mounting protests over data center pollution, underscore a growing sentiment that AI is beginning to harm more lives than it helps, stirring wide-ranging debates in both the digital and physical worlds (Wired).

A new wave of AI companions offers seamless emotional support and simulated relationships, but researchers warn that relying on “synthetic intimacy” carries significant psychological costs. As Thai society rapidly adopts virtual assistants, chatbots, and AI-driven relationship apps, experts caution that mistaking machine simulation for real human connection could reshape emotional health and everyday social life in Thailand.

Global interest in AI partners has surged. In a high-profile personal experiment, a tech thinker dated several AI “boyfriends” built on major language models. She described the experience as both charming and unsettling, highlighting new emotional possibilities. This trend is echoing across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, where a youthful, digitally native generation is exploring virtual relationships out of curiosity, loneliness, or a desire for frictionless companionship. Research from credible outlets notes the growing footprint of synthetic intimacy in daily life.

A new study suggests that regular sexual activity is linked to fewer genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) symptoms, including vaginal dryness, discomfort, and irritation. The research, published in Menopause and highlighted by The Menopause Society, focuses on women aged 40 to 79 and offers practical guidance for managing menopause-related discomfort. The findings are particularly relevant for Thai women as the country’s population ages and the number of women in midlife grows.

A recent study has found that women who maintain regular sexual activity experience significantly fewer symptoms linked to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including vaginal dryness, pain, and irritation. The findings, published in the journal Menopause and highlighted by The Menopause Society, provide new insights into the management of menopause-related discomfort for women aged 40 to 79—an age range relevant to millions of Thai women currently navigating the physical and emotional challenges of menopause. (Neuroscience News)

The conventional wisdom that all high-fat foods are unhealthy is being challenged by nutritionists, as fresh research and expert guidance highlight the benefits of incorporating certain so-called “bad” fats—including whole eggs, full-fat dairy, butter, and coconut oil—into a balanced diet. These recommendations, based on recent dietitian insights, are changing the way Thai consumers should think about fat, flavor, and nutrition.

For decades, low-fat products dominated supermarket shelves in Thailand and worldwide, driven by public health campaigns and a lingering fear of cholesterol and heart disease. The 1980s and 1990s popularized low-fat snacks and skimmed dairy, often at the expense of taste and satiety. Today, however, scientists and dietitians agree that dietary fat is an essential macronutrient—it supports brain function, hormone production, and the absorption of vital fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). As such, not all fats are to be feared; instead, consumers are encouraged to pay close attention to the type and amount of fat in their meals (EatingWell).

A shift is underway in Thai nutrition guidance as experts challenge the blanket view that all fats are harmful. Fresh research and professional advice now emphasize that certain fats—when eaten in sensible portions—can support brain function, hormone balance, and nutrient absorption. The takeaway for Thai readers is to focus on the type and amount of fat within diverse, minimally processed meals.

For decades, low-fat products and skimmed dairy dominated shelves in Thailand and beyond. Public health campaigns tied fat to heart disease and cholesterol concerns. Today, nutritionists argue that fat is a vital macronutrient. It helps brain health, supports hormonal production, and aids the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. The emphasis is on choosing high-quality fats rather than eliminating fat entirely.

The Thai term for Western foreigners, “farang,” is at the center of a nuanced debate about race, identity, and belonging in Thailand. While some view it as a simple descriptor, others see potential for bias, depending on tone and context. The discussion is part of a broader global conversation about language, power, and inclusion.

In everyday Thai life, farang is a familiar term heard in markets, streets, and homes. Originating from an old Persian word meaning Westerners, the term arrived in Thai usage centuries ago and evolved into a general label for white foreigners. The Royal Institute Dictionary recognizes farang as a common reference for Caucasian visitors, reflecting its long-standing presence in both formal and informal speech. As Thailand’s expatriate community grows in Bangkok and tourist hubs like Phuket and Chiang Mai, the term has become a focal point in conversations about cultural integration.

A leading Indian sexologist has recently spotlighted the “extra time condom”—often marketed as prolonging sexual performance—as central to one of the most destructive myths about sex, urging people to stop believing that long-duration intercourse equates to sexual health or satisfaction. The expert’s warning, highlighted in a recent health report, adds to a growing chorus of medical voices pushing back against profit-driven misconceptions in sexual wellness (Hindustan Times).

This revelation resonates deeply in Thailand, a society navigating rapid modernization, shifting attitudes on sexuality, and rising interest in sexual health education. Thai consumers, like peers throughout Asia, are regularly exposed to aggressive advertising for “performance enhancing” products, including condoms promising to delay ejaculation. The implications are significant: not only do such myths create unrealistic expectations, but they may also foster anxiety, poor self-esteem, and unsafe sexual practices.

A new review highlights a significant link between tinnitus—persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears with no external cause—and deep sleep, one of the body’s most vital restorative processes. About 15% of people worldwide live with tinnitus, and many endure distress, sleep disruption, and even depression. The findings could open new paths for managing symptoms and improving quality of life for millions, including Thais affected by this often misunderstood condition. Research by Oxford University neuroscientists points to shared brain activity during tinnitus episodes and slow-wave sleep, suggesting the brain’s sleep architecture may influence tinnitus intensity.

A new wave of research suggests slower, steady running—known as zone 2 training—may be more beneficial for heart health and endurance than relentless speed work. A recent personal experiment highlighted in a Fit&Well piece shows that easing off the pace can lead to safer, lasting fitness gains. For Thai runners, from park circuits to city marathons, this approach offers a practical path to healthier hearts.

The public conversation around running is shifting. Instead of equating faster with better, experts now emphasize easy runs at a comfortable pace as the foundation for cardiovascular improvements. In Thailand, where many people lace up for health and community—often with limited coaching—zone 2 training could provide a straightforward framework to build fitness safely and sustainably.

A growing body of evidence points to a simple food as an ally against stubborn belly fat: spinach. Dietitians cited in a recent consumer feature highlight that regular intake of this leafy green may help reduce visceral fat—the dangerous fat stored around internal organs linked to diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers.

This development is especially relevant for Thai readers. Thailand has seen rising rates of metabolic health issues and obesity over the past decade. Public health authorities warn that central obesity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Since visceral fat is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat, reducing it is a priority for improving national health.

A growing body of research now points to a surprising hero in the battle against stubborn belly fat: spinach. According to dietitians cited in a recent feature by EatingWell, regularly including this leafy green in your diet may help reduce visceral fat, the harmful type of fat stored deep within the abdomen that is closely linked with chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers (EatingWell).

A new wave of research shines a spotlight on two naturally occurring minerals—magnesium and chromium—commonly found in certain superfoods, as potential allies in the fight against high blood sugar and type 2 diabetes. Health experts and recent meta-analyses suggest that diets rich in these minerals can significantly reduce insulin resistance and help manage blood sugar levels before insulin therapy becomes necessary. This development is particularly relevant in Thailand, where the urbanization-driven rise in non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes mirrors global trends, and dietary adjustments are seen as a practical, preventive strategy (getsurrey.co.uk).

A global drop in heart attack deaths has become one of modern medicine’s notable triumphs. Over the past five decades, deaths from heart attacks fell by about 90% due to better emergency care, wider statin use, and aggressive public health campaigns against smoking and high cholesterol. Yet experts warn that other cardiovascular risks—such as heart failure, high blood pressure complications, and dementia linked to vascular health—are rising, posing fresh challenges for health systems, including Thailand.

A recent psychology study reveals that people tend to judge a person’s personality based on tattoos, but those judgments are rarely accurate. The research found that only tattoos deemed “wacky” or unusual carried a modest link to openness to new experiences. In practice, visual cues about tattoos do not reliably reflect traits like agreeableness, extraversion, or conscientiousness.

In Thailand today, decorative and symbolic tattoos are common among urban youth, tourists, and even religious devotees. As body art grows in popularity—mirroring trends seen in many countries, where roughly one in three adults has some form of tattoo—this study highlights how stubborn stereotypes persist even as tattoo culture broadens its meanings.

Texas has become the latest—and one of the largest—states in the United States to ban students’ use of cell phones in all public K-12 schools, following the signing of House Bill 1481 by the state governor earlier this week (KXAN). The law gives individual districts two options for compliance: either prohibit all student devices on school property outright, or require students to store their phones securely and inaccessible during the school day (KHOU). The ban is set to take effect across the state for the 2025–2026 academic year (Statesman).

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping finance hubs worldwide, with experts forecasting sweeping changes to Wall Street and similar markets. While some junior roles may disappear, the focus is shifting toward strategic, creative, and people-centered work. For Thailand, this moment offers a chance to adapt and grow alongside AI-enhanced tools.

Global research shows AI can handle repetitive, data-heavy tasks and support decision-making around the clock. Analysts say entry-level positions in research and back-office operations may face significant disruption, while senior, relational, and high-level analytical roles retain value. In Bangkok, where the financial sector is expanding, institutions are piloting AI-assisted market analysis, risk monitoring, and compliance—signals that Thai finance jobs will evolve rather than vanish.

A sweeping Texas policy bans student use of cell phones in all public K-12 schools, taking effect in the 2025–2026 academic year. Districts must either prohibit devices on campus or require students to store them securely during the school day. The move follows concerns about digital distractions, student well-being, and classroom discipline, and it has sparked a global debate about technology in education.

For Thai educators and policymakers, the Texas case offers a timely point of reflection. Smartphone use among youth has surged in Thailand and around the world, reshaping how students learn, interact, and manage information. While some studies link unregulated use to lower focus, increased bullying, and mental health challenges, others warn that outright bans may overlook deeper systemic issues and could cut off useful learning tools and communication channels.