News

A growing body of psychological and sociological research suggests that affectionate, patient, and emotionally engaged parenting matters just as much for boys as for girls—sometimes even more for boys’ emotional health. New findings challenge traditional ideas of masculinity and show that early nurturing shapes outcomes in education, behavior, and mental well-being. This is especially relevant for Thai parents and educators navigating changing family dynamics and modern pressures.

Long-standing ideas about raising boys to be “tough” can overlook their emotional needs. Global studies indicate that parents often talk, read, and sing more to daughters and feel closer to them in early childhood. When fathers and mothers have limited time or emotional bandwidth for boys, boys may miss opportunities to develop healthy emotion regulation. Such patterns can contribute to later behavioral and mental health challenges.

A growing body of research suggests that our increasing attention to mental health may not always boost happiness. A recent analysis in The Telegraph questions whether constant monitoring, diagnosing, and discussing wellbeing could, in some cases, heighten anxiety and reduce resilience. The discussion matters in Thailand, where stigma around mental health is easing, yet Western models are adopted with mixed results.

Globally, mental health awareness surged after the COVID-19 pandemic, with schools, workplaces, and governments promoting openness and reducing stigma. In Thailand, universities, government bodies, and NGOs have expanded counselling and support services. Yet commentators warn that relentless attention to mental health can, paradoxically, make people more anxious.

A viral push-up target has sparked debate across social media, with a popular orthopedic clinician asserting that women should be able to perform 11 standard push-ups without modification. The clip circulated widely on platforms like TikTok, prompting thousands to try the challenge while others question its arbitrary nature. The moment highlights a larger conversation about evidence-based exercise, inclusivity, and what “health” should really mean in everyday life.

Experts warn against blanket fitness standards. While guidelines from the American College of Sports Medicine classify 11 push-ups for women aged 40–49 as a sign of good fitness, those numbers represent population averages. They are best used to monitor progress rather than prescribe a universal target. As a kinesiology professor told researchers, the goal is regular activity and gradual increases in effort until each person reaches their own capacity.

A growing global phenomenon sees people drawn into online “relationships” that drain money rather than provide affection. New analyses show a sharp increase in romance scams, where scammers exploit loneliness and trust to extract funds. The pattern is now a pressing public concern that requires practical awareness and action.

For Thailand, where internet and smartphone use continues to rise and dating apps grow in popularity across generations, the risk is highly relevant. Generosity and hospitality are core Thai values, but criminals exploit these traits through manipulation, empathy, and fake emergencies. The question, “Is it still a relationship if only one person sends money?” reflects a real, evolving threat that Thai communities must confront.

Daycare workers worldwide report a surge in unusual and demanding requests from parents, reflecting mounting pressures in early childhood education after the pandemic. For Thai families navigating expanding daycare options, these insights underscore how expectations at home can influence classroom dynamics and staff wellbeing.

The conversation intensified after a widely shared exposé in a major outlet, where educators anonymously described extreme parental demands. Examples range from insisting on gold-plated utensils for a toddler’s lunch to covertly punishing other children on behalf of a parent’s grievance. While these anecdotes may seem sensational, they align with a broader pattern experts call helicopter and lawnmower parenting—parents who try to remove every obstacle from a child’s path.

A new era in the scientific quest to pinpoint where consciousness arises in the brain has arrived with the publication of an unprecedented collaborative study, revealing tantalizing clues—but offering no final answers. International neuroscientists, working with the backing of major institutions, have tested the top two competing theories about consciousness using sophisticated brain imaging across hundreds of participants, uncovering emerging insights with far-reaching implications for clinical medicine and philosophical understanding.

A groundbreaking international review has found that even brief, high-intensity physical activity—like brisk walking for just a few minutes at a time—can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and slow cognitive decline as people age. Published in The Lancet and led by researchers from Norway’s Cardiac Exercise Research Group in collaboration with the Queensland Brain Institute, this study underscores the immense brain benefits of “microtraining” and calls for urgent updates to global and Thai physical activity guidelines to reflect these new findings (Neuroscience News).

A new international review suggests that brief, high-intensity activity—such as brisk walking for just a few minutes at a time—may significantly cut dementia risk and slow cognitive decline in older adults. Published in The Lancet and led by researchers from Norway’s Cardiac Exercise Research Group in collaboration with the Queensland Brain Institute, the study highlights the brain benefits of “microtraining” and urges updates to global and Thai physical activity guidelines to reflect these findings.

A new study from April 2025 shows that just two 30-minute weight-training sessions per week can boost muscle strength and size. The finding challenges the idea that substantial time and complex equipment are required for resistance training. It offers a realistic option for busy Thais balancing work and family.

Thai adults often struggle to fit regular exercise into busy schedules. National surveys reflect global trends, with fewer than 20% of adults regularly engaging in muscle-strengthening activities. Yet stronger muscles help prevent chronic diseases like diabetes and arthritis and support healthy aging. Evidence from recent research adds urgency to making strength training more accessible in Thailand.

A new wave of research is reshaping recommendations for older adults in Thailand. Physiotherapists now prioritize targeted strength training as the most important form of exercise for people over 60, with benefits extending beyond heart health to mobility, independence, and overall well-being. Data from Thailand’s public health authorities and international studies support this shift, underscoring that resistance work improves muscle mass, balance, and bone health.

Historically, swimming and running were top choices for seniors in Thailand due to cardiovascular benefits and joint-friendly movement. Today, clinicians emphasize that structured resistance training—lifting weights, using resistance bands, and performing functional movements—offers comprehensive advantages for aging bodies. As Thailand’s population ages, with projections showing more than 20% over 60 by 2025, reducing frailty, falls, and osteoporosis becomes more urgent. Public health data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health highlight these demographic trends and the corresponding health risks.

Stress is increasingly a daily reality in Thailand and around the world. New studies emphasize that chronic stress affects not only workplaces but everyday life and long-term health. For Thai readers navigating rapid economic change, social media pressures, and evolving work-life demands, understanding effective stress management is essential for both mental and physical well-being.

Recent global findings show that a large share of workers experience heightened stress. In major economies, up to six in ten employees report elevated work-related stress, with a 2024 global survey noting that 79% describe moderate-to-high stress. Younger workers and women often feel the most pressure. Common triggers include heavy workloads, blurred boundaries between work and home, financial strain, and constant connectivity. In Thailand, these pressures are intensified by cultural expectations around family roles, education, and the brisk pace of urban and rural life.

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally redefined family life across the globe, with Thailand seeing its own transformation as fathers take on more active roles in childcare and family routines. Recent reports, including an op-ed from The New York Times, highlight a growing trend: dads are spending more time with their children since the pandemic, and this pattern appears to be holding steady post-pandemic (nytimes.com). This shift has significance not only for families but for the broader social fabric, raising questions about the future of parenting roles in Thailand and beyond.

New global findings reveal the most Googled parenting questions, shedding light on universal worries and how Thai families are adapting to rapid social and tech change. As digital platforms become the main source of parenting advice, Thai parents increasingly seek authoritative, science-backed guidance on childcare, health, and everyday family life in a fast-moving world.

Thai readers will recognize familiar concerns: Why isn’t my baby sleeping? How can I soothe a crying child? How should we handle picky eating or bedwetting? When will my child start talking? These questions top search lists worldwide, illustrating how the internet unites parents while local values shape the answers.

A new wave of research and expert opinion is reshaping traditional advice on the best exercise for older adults in Thailand, with physiotherapists increasingly steering retirees away from the old staples of swimming and running. Citing recent scientific studies and the experience of clinical practitioners, physiotherapists now recommend targeted strength training as the most important form of exercise for those over 60, providing benefits that extend beyond heart health and stamina to include vital support for mobility, independence, and overall quality of life (okdiario.com).

A new study reveals a curious psychological pattern: people often feel confident that they themselves will experience good karma, while expecting others to face bad karma. The finding offers insight into how beliefs about cosmic justice shape how Thai communities view morality, fault, and outcomes.

Karma, rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions and deeply influential in Thai culture, is often seen as a guide to conduct and future consequences. The study suggests that modern attitudes still reflect this ancient idea, with potential effects on how individuals relate to one another and respond to social events. According to researchers featured in the study, many people view their own actions through a forgiving lens, while predicting harsher consequences for those they deem morally wrong.

A new wave of fitness trends has taken social media by storm, with a viral sound bite declaring that every woman should be able to do 11 push-ups—a claim sparking debate among experts and everyday people alike. The prescription, delivered by a well-known orthopedic surgeon on a prominent self-help podcast, has led thousands to post their attempts online and question the implications of adopting such “one-size-fits-all” health guidance. In a fitness culture increasingly shaped by social media and so-called “wellness bros,” the debate points to larger questions about evidence-based exercise targets, inclusivity, and the real meaning of health and performance.

A powerful new profile highlights a man in his 60s who shed over 60 pounds and reduced body fat by more than 20 percent after years of inactivity. His journey, driven by a wish to stay healthy for his children and grandchildren, offers practical lessons grounded in science for older adults in Thailand who want better health outcomes as the population ages.

Thailand is aging rapidly. The National Statistical Office projects more than 20% of Thais will be 60 or older by 2025. Muscle loss with age, chronic disease risk, and busy lives are shaping health care needs and daily quality of life for many families. While the featured story unfolds abroad, its themes—habits, nutrition, and sustainable exercise—resonate with Thai researchers and clinicians who study aging and wellness.

Green tea, long celebrated in Asian cultures and increasingly popular in Thailand, continues to capture global attention for its wide-ranging health benefits. New research supported by nutritionists and prominent institutions underscores green tea’s potential to positively impact heart health, support cognitive function, and contribute to overall wellness—though evidence remains mixed on some health claims.

For centuries, green tea has been a staple in Thai communities, often enjoyed hot or iced, blending well with local traditions. The recent surge in scientific investigations has added weight to the beverage’s revered medicinal reputation. A review published by the US National Institutes of Health noted that polyphenolic compounds in green tea—particularly catechins—are associated with beneficial effects in prevention of cardiovascular disease, though these findings must still be interpreted with caution due to limitations in the available data (PMC4055352). Another comprehensive review pointed to possible protective effects against a range of ailments, including certain cancers, liver disorders, and heart conditions, but emphasized that most of the results stem from laboratory research or observational studies—not definitive clinical trials (PMC2855614).

New, early CDC figures show diabetes deaths in the United States have fallen to their lowest level in years, signaling notable progress against a major chronic disease. The preliminary data suggest a genuine decline in mortality, prompting cautious optimism among clinicians and patients.

For Thailand, where diabetes ranks as one of the top three causes of death, this trend resonates strongly. Thai health officials commonly reference global best practices to shape local policies. If the US decline proves durable, it could provide valuable insights for the Ministry of Public Health and clinicians nationwide.

A new set of guidelines from the World Health Organization aims to curb the rising trend of medicalized female genital mutilation (FGM) and to improve care for survivors. Health experts view this as a crucial step toward ending FGM globally, with focus on health, legal, and ethical implications when health professionals are involved.

FGM refers to procedures that intentionally injure the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, with millions more at risk each year. Disturbingly, recent research shows a surge in FGM performed by doctors, nurses, or midwives. While some communities view medicalized FGM as safer, global health authorities and women’s rights advocates agree there is no safe form of FGM, and medicalization perpetuates gender inequality and violence. Research and guidance from leading health institutions underscore this stance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released groundbreaking new recommendations to curb the growing trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen care for survivors, a move hailed by global health experts as an essential step toward eliminating this harmful practice worldwide. This updated guidance is particularly relevant as rising evidence suggests that, despite global efforts to end FGM, a concerning number of procedures are being performed by healthcare professionals—a development with complex health, legal, and ethical implications.

A remarkable case study of 77-year-old marathon runner Jeannie Rice is prompting scientists to rethink aging and fitness. Her aerobic capacity matches that of a typical 25-year-old woman, a result rarely seen in someone her age. The findings, published in a leading physiology journal, underscore how lifelong training, steady routines, and nutrition can extend not just lifespan but healthspan. For Thai audiences facing rapid population aging, Rice’s story offers practical insights into maintaining mobility and vitality.

Aged 79, Helen Mirren is using her platform to champion regular exercise as a pillar of healthy aging. In a recent interview, the beloved actress rejected the idea that age should justify inactivity and instead highlighted a routine inspired by military-style training. Her stance mirrors a growing body of evidence that sustained physical activity benefits older adults, a message with particular resonance for Thailand’s aging population.

Beyond celebrity glitter, Mirren’s remarks align with current health research. Large-scale analyses in respected journals have consistently shown that regular exercise lowers the risk of chronic diseases, supports mental well-being, and extends life expectancy—even when activity begins later in life. A 2022 review in Sports Medicine found that adults over 65 who perform at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly experience notably reduced risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline.

Renowned actor and global icon Helen Mirren, age 79, is making headlines for her strong endorsement of regular exercise as a critical component of healthy aging. In a recent interview, Mirren dismissed the idea that age should serve as an excuse to neglect physical fitness, instead championing an active routine that draws inspiration from military-style workouts. Her assertion aligns with a growing body of scientific evidence highlighting the significant health benefits of sustained physical activity for older adults—a message that carries particular importance for Thailand’s rapidly aging population.