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The experience of hearing voices, long shrouded in misconception and stigma, is far more common than previously believed. Recent analysis and expert perspectives now suggest that upwards of one in ten people worldwide—potentially as many as 15% of the general population—may hear voices at some point in their lives, according to new research assembled and shared by mental health professionals (Psychology Today). This insight is shifting how clinicians, researchers, and the public perceive and manage auditory hallucinations, reframing them not solely as a symptom of severe mental illness, but often as a nuanced, varied, and even normal facet of human cognition and culture.

New analysis shows that how parents act at home shapes both academic results and emotional well-being. Inspired by discussions around how top-scoring students are supported, this piece blends international findings with Thailand’s evolving parenting landscape to highlight practical strategies and programs that boost achievement in Thai classrooms and beyond.

For Thai families, the push for university placements and scholarships often starts early. Today’s research moves beyond old anecdotes, showing that home environment, parental involvement, and positive discipline influence learning and resilience. Thailand’s health and education sectors are increasingly recognizing these patterns, with cross-agency work aiming to address wellbeing and equity in post-pandemic times. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF programs illustrate ongoing training efforts for caregivers and volunteers to spread positive parenting across provinces, especially in the northeast, supported by partnerships with national and international organizations.

A newly published study has cast fresh doubts over one of fitness culture’s most buzzed-about trends, revealing that repeated cold plunges may significantly stunt gains in muscle growth—by as much as 20%, according to research highlighted by Boing Boing. The findings arrive as ice baths and cold immersion routines surge in popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even wellness influencers in Thailand and worldwide.

In recent years, plunging into icy water has been widely marketed for benefits ranging from boosting recovery to enhancing overall well-being. Many fitness centres in Bangkok now offer cold plunge stations, and social media is crowded with testimonials from amateur and professional trainers alike. Yet despite these claims, new research cautions that cold water therapy—particularly when used post-workout—could be counterproductive for those seeking maximum muscle gains.

A groundbreaking real-world investigation has discovered that survivors of an extreme traumatic event reported significantly milder symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety if they had been under the influence of classic psychedelics during the incident. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, present new directions for mental health research—though experts stress that unsupervised use of such substances is not recommended and requires further study within controlled settings (Neuroscience News).

A new review published in the journal Gastroenterology highlights a rapidly-growing field of research: the crucial connection between physical exercise and the health of the gut microbiome, the vast ecosystem of trillions of microorganisms living in the human digestive tract. For Thai readers passionate about fitness, wellbeing, and science-based health guidance, this emerging evidence suggests that taking care of more than just your muscles could be the key to maximising your training results and long-term health (smh.com.au).

A recent study in PLOS One shows that nostalgic pop songs spark a stronger impulse to dance than songs that are simply familiar. The research reveals how music and memory together influence our movement, with potential implications for movement therapies and wellbeing.

According to researchers from a leading university, both nostalgia and familiarity increase enjoyment and the desire to tap or move along. Yet only nostalgia consistently predicts the powerful urge to dance. This finding could inform health interventions that use music to encourage movement, especially for people with movement disorders.

A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that nostalgic pop songs provoke a stronger urge to dance than tracks that are merely familiar, shining new light on how music and memory intertwine to move our bodies. Researchers from the University of Western Ontario found that while both nostalgia and familiarity boost enjoyment and the desire to tap or move along, only nostalgia predicted the powerful urge to dance—a discovery with potential implications for therapies targeting movement disorders and well-being.

Child psychologists are sounding the alarm for parents and caregivers, urging them not to dismiss troubling behaviors in their children as mere episodes of “kids being kids.” Recent expert commentary and emerging research underscore that behavioral warning signs—such as loss of appetite, sudden aggression, secretive online activity, and developmental regression—may point to underlying emotional distress requiring prompt attention (NYPost).

For Thai families navigating the rapidly changing pressures of modern life, these insights are increasingly relevant. The blending of traditional Thai parenting values with the influence of digital technologies has created new challenges. The current warning reiterates the importance of early intervention for behaviors that, if left unaddressed, could escalate over time—affecting not only the child’s well-being but also the harmony of the family and broader community.

“I’m fine.” For many ambitious Thai professionals, this phrase masks a hidden struggle with anxiety, fatigue, and emotional weariness. New research and expert commentary highlight how such reassurances can signal a growing, invisible mental health challenge with wide implications for employers and society. Behind polished facades of success, many young people battle high-functioning anxiety, an ongoing condition that often remains undetected until burnout or deeper distress appears.

In Bangkok’s fast-paced finance districts and Chiang Mai’s vibrant startup scene, the pressure to project confidence and relentless productivity runs deep. For many, self-worth is intertwined with flawless performance, and admitting vulnerability feels like weakness. An expert from a leading Bangkok hospital notes that perfectionism, people-pleasing, and fear of failure drive many to mask anxiety as a coping mechanism. Collectivist norms in Thai workplaces can make open conversations about mental health rare and challenging.

A real-world study suggests that survivors of a major trauma reported milder PTSD and anxiety symptoms if they had used classic psychedelics during the incident. The findings, published in a peer-reviewed journal of psychopharmacology, point to future directions for mental health research while underscoring that unsupervised use is not advised and must be studied in controlled settings.

The study followed 343 survivors of the October 7, 2023 Nova Festival attack in Israel, one of the deadliest modern festival tragedies. In the weeks after, researchers from Reichman University and partner institutions conducted in-person interviews with adults aged 18 to 64. The conversations assessed psychological well-being and prior or during-event use of psychoactive substances.

Hearing voices is more common than many realize and is not automatically a sign of danger or illness. New analyses suggest that up to 15% of people may experience hearing voices at some point in life. This shifts how clinicians, researchers, and communities understand auditory experiences, framing them as part of human cognition and cultural expression rather than solely a psychiatric symptom.

The urgency of this topic grows as experts emphasize practical support and acceptance. A senior psychotherapist notes that more than 1 in 10 people will hear voices in their lifetime, and voices are not typically associated with violence. Help is available. For Thai readers and broader Asian audiences, this carries important implications for reducing stigma and expanding supportive resources.

A growing wave of cellphone restrictions is reshaping classrooms in North Carolina as educators and families seek to minimize digital distraction. Policies range from confiscation to secure storage solutions, sparking a broader debate about balancing student focus, safety, and access to learning tools. The developments offer timely lessons for Thai schools navigating rising smartphone use among youth.

Global smartphone ownership among students is climbing, with Thailand mirroring this trend. Thai teachers and administrators report that phones can disrupt lessons, complicate classroom management, and contribute to teacher burnout. Data from national studies show rising device ownership among Thai youth, underscoring the need for thoughtful guidance on when and how phones should be used in schools. As smartphone penetration grows, policymakers weigh how to protect learning while leveraging digital tools when appropriate.

A new round of rankings on the world’s best skylines is igniting both travel curiosity and pride, as leading lifestyle publication Tatler Asia spotlights cities whose cityscapes are considered the most visually iconic across the globe. The report, released on tatlerasia.com, highlights the interplay between modern architecture, cultural identity, and urban development that makes these skylines a major drawcard for international visitors. For Thai travellers, these findings not only inspire new bucket-list journeys, but also prompt reflection on Bangkok’s own urban evolution and ambitions on the global stage.

A new international study reveals millions in Western countries live with an aggressive form of fatty liver disease without knowing it. The findings, published in a leading medical journal, show a silent, rapidly growing risk of severe liver damage that could strain health systems worldwide. Early intervention could prevent much of this damage, but many people remain undiagnosed.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its more severe progression, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH, formerly NASH), have drawn increasing attention in recent years. NAFLD is often linked to obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles, while MASH involves liver inflammation and scarring that can advance to cirrhosis, liver failure, or cancer with few early symptoms. New research indicates a large portion of affected individuals are undetected, missing critical chances to protect liver health.

A wave of recent research warns that the silent treatment—when parents intentionally withdraw communication to punish or correct their children—may be among the severest forms of emotional discipline, leading to deep, enduring harm. Parenting experts and psychologists caution that such silence can teach children to fear conflict, undermine emotional resilience, and sow a legacy of shame and uncertainty. Instead, practitioners and new studies argue that open, emotionally safe communication is critical for supporting healthy child development (AOL; CNBC).

In emergencies, calm decision-making saves lives. Frontline professionals say how you respond often shapes outcomes. New, evidence-based strategies from paramedics, emergency physicians, and researchers offer practical steps that anyone can use to stay composed and act effectively. The guidance is tailored for Thai readers, drawing on psychology, physiology, and everyday life.

Disasters are unpredictable. In Thailand, fires, traffic crashes, and public health threats underscore the need for steady, decisive action. The Thai concept jai yen — a cool heart — remains relevant, yet experts emphasize that staying composed is a skill that can and should be practiced. A senior emergency physician at a leading Bangkok hospital notes that true calm under pressure blends cultural values with practical techniques.

When disaster strikes—be it a house fire, a medical crisis, or even large-scale emergencies—panic often sets in as the mind races and adrenaline floods the body. Researchers and frontline experts warn that our response in these moments can be the difference between life and death. Recent insights from a variety of sources, including seasoned paramedics and emergency physicians, are illuminating simple, science-based strategies that anyone—including Thai readers—can use to stay calm and act effectively in high-stress situations (NPR).

Doctors and researchers warn that ordinary habits may quietly harm health long before symptoms appear. From snoring to skipping daily flossing, these behaviors can have serious consequences. For Thais balancing tradition with modern lifestyles, the message is clear: small daily choices shape long-term well-being.

Thailand faces a high burden of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer. Data from Thailand’s public health programs show these conditions account for a large share of deaths. Medical professionals say risks lie not only in tobacco and alcohol but also in everyday actions at home, at work, and at school. The concern is echoed by recent public discussions and studies that highlight how harmless habits at first can lead to bigger problems later.

A California case has drawn international attention after a physician claimed that eating an extremely spicy Thai dish caused lasting harm. The lawsuit, filed by a neurologist from San Jose, centers on a dish known as Dragon Balls, which features Thai bird’s eye chilies at a Los Gatos restaurant. The plaintiff asserts severe burns and lasting health effects and seeks compensation for medical costs, distress, and diminished enjoyment of life.

A growing global movement toward a four-day work week is prompting Thai professionals to reimagine productivity and balance. But as organisations experiment, questions linger: can one fewer day truly boost happiness and output, or is it marketing hype dressed as innovation? The conversation is especially timely in Thailand’s dynamic business scene, where hybrid work and flexible schedules are taking hold.

Leading voices describe 4DWW in two forms: a compressed week of four 10-hour days or a genuine reduction to about 32 hours weekly with pay and benefits preserved. Post-pandemic demand for flexible schedules aligns with strong evidence that a shorter week can improve wellbeing and efficiency. In the United States, reports show a rise in 4DWW adoption from 14% of companies in 2022 to 22% in 2024, while a majority of workers in a LinkedIn survey highlighted it as a highly desirable benefit. These signals reflect a broader global trend toward balancing work with personal life, which Thai firms are actively watching.

Amid the global resurgence of travel, a new trend is captivating both visitors and Thais alike: nostalgia tourism, which sees travelers gravitating toward places, experiences, and traditions that evoke cherished memories and offer emotional comfort. Recent research and industry reports reveal that this phenomenon is not merely a passing fad but a powerful movement reshaping tourism in 2025 throughout Thailand and the Asia-Pacific region—rekindling interest in historic districts, family-run eateries, traditional festivals, and “retro” vacation spots that promise the warmth of the familiar in a rapidly changing world.

Nostalgia tourism is taking center stage in Thailand as travelers seek familiar places, memories, and traditions that offer emotional comfort. New industry insights show this trend isn’t a fleeting fad but a lasting shift that shapes travel in 2025 across the Asia-Pacific, reviving historic districts, family-run eateries, traditional festivals, and retro getaways that feel like home in a fast-changing world.

The travel industry is at a turning point. After pandemic disruptions and a rapid digital shift, many people crave meaningful experiences that foster belonging and a sense of place. A 2025 study by a leading hospitality group found that more than half of traveling families are recalibrating to revisit destinations from their own childhoods to share memories with the next generation. Complementary surveys by industry researchers show a strong appetite for nostalgia-driven outdoor getaways, such as family camping trips and road excursions, as an antidote to digital fatigue.

A groundbreaking new study has revealed that millions of people in Western countries are unknowingly living with an aggressive form of fatty liver disease, raising the alarm about an epidemic that could soon overwhelm health systems globally. The findings, published in a major international journal and covered by The Guardian, suggest that a silent but rapidly growing number of individuals are at risk of severe liver damage, much of which is preventable with early intervention.

New research and recent analysis reveal that the habits of parents significantly shape the academic and emotional success of their children. Drawing inspiration from a widely-shared article in The Times of India on the distinctive behaviors of parents supporting top-scoring students, combined with insights from regional studies and Thailand’s evolving parenting landscape, this report explores the practical strategies and evolving programs that are driving children’s achievement—both in Thai classrooms and around the world.