News

A recent large-scale study has revealed a significant decline in mothers’ mental health across socioeconomic groups between 2016 and 2023, raising urgent questions about the impact of intensive parenting practices on psychological well-being. Health and education experts in Thailand, where family and achievement hold central roles in society, are watching these findings closely for clues about parenting’s evolving pressures and how best to support families through them (Boston Globe).

In a groundbreaking analysis involving almost 200,000 mothers and data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, researchers observed the percentage of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health drop from 38.4% in 2016 to just 25.8% in 2023. Meanwhile, the prevalence of those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. This decline cuts across mothers with children of all ages, from newborns to teenagers, and extends through varied economic backgrounds.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that individuals who cheat once are highly likely to cheat again, even years later. This wide-ranging investigation challenges the notion that dishonesty is merely situational, instead suggesting that for many, the tendency to cheat is a persistent personality trait. The findings have significant implications for relationships, education, and workplace ethics in Thailand, a society that values trust and integrity.

A major new study has found that engaging in tailored exercise programs before surgery can reduce the risk of complications by up to 50%, offering hope for improved recovery and shorter hospital stays for patients in Thailand and around the world. This promising discovery—supported by several recent international studies—suggests that pre-surgery preparation through fitness routines and dietary improvements, known as “prehabilitation,” could become a standard part of surgical care.

The findings, reported across global outlets such as MSN, NPR, and the academic journal The BMJ, come at a crucial time. Surgery remains a leading cause of hospitalization in Thailand, with recovery often complicated by infections, slow wound healing, or organ dysfunction, especially among elderly or chronically ill patients. These new studies shine a light on how taking proactive steps before an operation may significantly lower these risks, marking a shift in both patient and clinical expectations.

A major international study finds that tailored pre-surgery exercise programs can reduce postoperative complications by as much as 50%. For Thai patients and others worldwide, this points to a practical path to safer surgeries, quicker recoveries, and shorter hospital stays. The trend, known as prehabilitation, is gaining momentum as a standard part of surgical preparation.

The research, highlighted across global outlets and in a leading medical journal, arrives at a timely moment. In Thailand, surgery remains a common hospital pathway, with recovery risks including infections, slow wound healing, and organ stress—especially among older adults and people with chronic illnesses. The new evidence suggests that preparing the body before an operation can significantly lessen these risks, shifting expectations for patients and clinicians alike.

A new, large-scale study reveals a notable drop in mothers’ mental health from 2016 to 2023 across socioeconomic groups. As Thailand places high value on family harmony and achievement, Thai health and education experts are keen to understand how intensive parenting practices might be contributing to rising stress among mothers and families.

The study tracked nearly 200,000 mothers, using data from the National Survey of Children’s Health. It found that the share reporting “excellent” mental health fell from 38.4% in 2016 to 25.8% in 2023. Those rating their mental health as “fair” or “poor” rose from 5.5% to 8.5%. The decline spans ages from newborns to teenagers and crosses economic backgrounds.

A shift is underway in psychology as experts push for spirituality to be part of mainstream science and practice. A recent feature notes that traditional research and therapy have often sidelined spiritual dimensions, while a new wave of studies and practitioner voices advocates for a more holistic approach that acknowledges people’s spiritual lives.

In Thailand, where Buddhism shapes daily life, culture, and national celebrations, this shift could be particularly meaningful. Many Thais participate in regular religious activities, meditation, and merit-making to cope with stress. Yet, Thai mental health services commonly follow Western models that emphasize cognitive, behavioral, and medical interventions, with limited direct engagement with spiritual matters beyond cultural context.

A growing body of research, including recent commentary from Psychology Today, is shifting how health experts look at sleep: it may not be pills or high-tech gadgets that unlock the best rest, but rather a fundamental change in mindset—viewing sleep as the start, not the end, of the day (Psychology Today). This new perspective is proving especially relevant in Thailand, where rising rates of poor sleep are affecting health and well-being across generations.

New research suggests that everyday walking mistakes—often unseen—can quietly accelerate body aging. Walking remains one of the safest, most accessible exercises with clear health benefits, but poor mechanics may blunt those gains and contribute to physical decline, especially among Thai adults who rely on brisk walking for health.

When done with proper posture and technique, walking supports mental health, lowers cardiovascular risk, and promotes longevity. Yet even small errors—slouching, short steps, rigid arm movement, sticking to flat surfaces, or ill-fitting footwear—can place extra strain on joints and muscles over time, increasing pain, instability, and injury risk.

The scientific quest to unravel consciousness—the fundamental mystery of how our brains generate the feeling of subjective experience—remains as enigmatic as ever, following a much-anticipated head-to-head study of leading theories recently published in the journal Nature. Despite marshalling the efforts of global neuroscientists under the Cogitate Consortium and conducting rigorous experiments, neither of the two dominant theories of consciousness could claim victory, leaving the origins of conscious perception as one of science’s most perplexing puzzles (PsyPost).

Stress is a daily reality for many Thai students, workers, and families. A growing body of research suggests that treating oneself with kindness—rather than harsh judgment—bolsters resilience and sustains motivation. Modern journalism highlights how shifting from self-criticism to warmth can benefit mental health, with implications for Thai society at large.

The need to extend compassion inward is a shared human dilemma. In Thailand’s culture, expectations from family, school, and work can encourage strict self-scrutiny. Yet global and regional studies indicate that self-compassion improves emotional well-being and performance. A recent feature in a leading international publication emphasizes that kindness toward oneself can lead to better outcomes than punitive self-feedback.

For many Thais navigating daily pressures—academic, occupational, or personal—being kind to oneself can feel counterintuitive. Yet new research, along with growing expert consensus, is making a persuasive case: practicing self-compassion is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for building resilience and sustaining motivation. Recent articles, including a widely-read feature in The New York Times, illuminate how shifting away from harsh self-criticism toward a mindset of warmth and understanding can have broad psychological benefits, particularly relevant amid the challenges facing Thai society today (nytimes.com).

A growing body of research suggests that the key to better rest may lie less in pills or gadgets and more in how we frame sleep. Viewing sleep as the opening act of the day, rather than the day’s final task, could unlock deeper, more restorative rest. In Thailand, where sleep health increasingly affects health and education across generations, this mindset shift is especially relevant.

Traditionally, many people treat sleep as a afterthought scratched into a busy schedule. New findings, however, indicate that this end-of-day mindset can undermine both quality and duration of sleep. When sleep is valued as the day’s foundation—its opening ceremony—rest improves, mood stabilises, productivity rises, and the risk of chronic illness drops.

New scientific findings show that acute sleep deprivation sharply impairs attention and cognitive processing, with notable effects on high-performance athletes. Researchers published in a neuroscience journal examined table tennis players in China and found that 36 hours without sleep slowed reaction times, reduced attention, and weakened brain connectivity between key regions. Thai readers should note the broader implications for students, office workers, and shift staff who routinely sacrifice rest.

In Thailand, concerns over insufficient sleep are rising among youth and adults. Late-night study routines, long work hours, and a lively nightlife culture all contribute to sleep gaps that extend beyond sports performance. The study’s implications touch daily life—from classroom focus to workplace productivity and road safety.

Southwest Airlines’ recent decision to end its iconic “bags fly free” policy in favor of $35 and $45 fees for checked bags has sparked controversy, demonstrating the high cost a brand can incur by ignoring fundamental consumer psychology, according to new analysis from Forbes. The abrupt policy shift, effective Wednesday, is anticipated to raise revenue by $1–1.5 billion but may cost the airline as much as $1.8 billion in lost market share, raising doubts about the long-term wisdom of the move (Forbes).

Researchers at MIT have revealed a surprising role for astrocytes, star-shaped support cells in the brain, in storing memories. This challenges the neuron-centric view of memory and could influence both neuroscience and the future of artificial intelligence. The study, highlighted by multiple outlets, points to a collaborative network at synapses where astrocytes actively participate in memory processes.

For Thai audiences, the findings have broad relevance. Thailand faces aging demographics, rising dementia rates, and a growing interest in AI. A deeper grasp of how memory works could inform education, elder care, and technology development that benefits local communities and healthcare systems.

In a groundbreaking shift in neuroscience, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have identified a new way the human brain may store its vast portfolio of memories—thanks to star-shaped support cells called astrocytes. Traditionally overshadowed by their electrically active counterparts, the neurons, these abundant but understated cells could reframe how we understand brain power and inspire new advances in artificial intelligence, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Earth.com).

A new study in Scientific Reports suggests that protein bars may not deliver the nutrition they promise, a finding that resonates with health-conscious readers across Thailand. The research highlights that “high protein” labeling does not always translate into effective protein absorption, especially for those who rely on bars for quick post-workout recovery or busy workdays.

Protein bars line shelves from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, marketed as a convenient way to boost protein intake. The global market for these snacks surpassed the $14 billion mark in 2023, a surge driven by fitness culture and changing work patterns. In Thailand, office life in districts like Sathorn and university campuses alike have popularized grabbing a bar between meetings or classes as a standard habit.

A new study published in Scientific Reports has cast doubt on the reputed health benefits of protein bars, products that are rapidly gaining popularity among health-conscious Thais and urban professionals worldwide. Despite their status as convenient snacks for those with busy lifestyles—or for gym-goers seeking quick post-workout protein—recent research shows that not all protein bars deliver the nutritional punch they advertise, and Thai consumers may want to take a closer look at what’s really inside these trendy bars.

Southwest Airlines recently ended its long-standing “bags fly free” promise, introducing $35 and $45 fees for checked bags. The move, effective immediately, aims to boost revenue by about $1–1.5 billion but could cost the airline as much as $1.8 billion in market share losses. In short, the policy change may deliver a short-term gain at a potentially steep long-term cost, according to an analysis by Forbes.

This issue resonates beyond airlines. It highlights how businesses must balance immediate financial pressures with the trust and fairness that underpin customer loyalty. Southwest built its identity on hassle-free travel and clear pricing, and the abrupt shift challenges that image.

A controversial trend known as the “hanging neck” workout has drawn global concern after emerging in China. Elderly participants reportedly suspend themselves by their necks from branches or bars, with some testimonials claiming relief from neck and back pain. Public warnings followed a fatal incident in Chongqing, highlighting severe risks from this practice.

The movement began in Shenyang, where a 57-year-old man created a homemade device to self-treat chronic neck discomfort. Videos showed seniors swinging gently from trees, which quickly went viral on social media. Supporters claim the technique reduces nerve pressure and improves sleep, prompting more elderly people to try it. However, medical professionals caution that the neck is not built to support body weight in dynamic motions, and improper use can cause nerve damage, disc injuries, or cervical fractures. Recent reporting notes a tragic death linked to misused equipment, underscoring the danger of unsupervised practice.

A growing body of research and poignant cultural narratives highlight how a boy’s sense of self and emotional wellbeing may be deeply shaped by the absence of a mother, whether through death, separation, or emotional neglect. According to a recent analysis in Psychology Today, boys who lose their mothers early in life or are separated from them—regardless of how loving their subsequent caregivers may be—face unique challenges that reverberate into adulthood, impacting attachment styles, emotional regulation, and even future relationships with women (psychologytoday.com).

A surge of mental health content on TikTok is spreading misleading tips and confusing claims. New research highlighted by The Guardian shows videos range from trivializing serious conditions to promoting unproven treatments. Experts warn this trend fuels stigma and risky self-diagnosis, a particularly worrying development for Thai youth who spend大量 time on the platform.

Mental health has become a front-line issue in Thailand. The Covid-19 era intensified stress and isolation for young people and working adults. TikTok ranks among the most downloaded apps in Thailand, with millions turning to it for support and information. Data from Thailand’s Mental Health Department indicates rising cases of depression and anxiety since 2020, and digital platforms are increasingly a primary health resource for many young adults. The Bangkok Post notes these trends and underscores the need for accurate information in a country where health literacy varies by region and access remains uneven.

The viral popularity of mental health content on TikTok has led to a surge in misleading advice and misconceptions, with new research highlighted by The Guardian revealing that misinformation ranges from trivializing serious conditions to promoting unproven treatments. Experts warn that this trend not only stokes confusion but also risks worsening stigma and driving unsafe self-diagnosis—an especially troubling development for young Thais heavily active on the platform.

Mental health issues have become a frontline concern in Thai society, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic intensified stress and isolation among youth and working adults. With TikTok ranking among the most downloaded apps in Thailand and millions of Thai users turning to the platform for support and information, the spread of health misinformation is a pressing national challenge. According to Mental Health Department statistics, Thailand saw significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety since 2020, and digital platforms are now a primary health resource for many young adults (Bangkok Post).

Affect overrules virtue—recent psychological research is challenging the long-standing belief that honesty, warmth, and compassion are universally valued traits in leaders and individuals, showing that emotional appeal can be equally, if not more, persuasive. This finding holds sobering lessons for Thai society and global democracies, as new evidence reveals why these virtues sometimes take a back seat to style, energy, and emotional resonance.

For years, trustworthiness and empathy were seen as essential personal qualities, especially in politics and public life. According to recent scholarly work such as that cited by Psychology Today, qualities like honesty and caring once formed the bedrock of how leaders were judged and supported, shaping everything from workplace relationships to voter decisions (psychologytoday.com). However, as new evidence and expert commentary suggest, affective—or emotional—impact now increasingly sways opinions, sometimes eclipsing the importance of fact-checking and moral consistency.