#Contempt

In Thai society, laughter is often celebrated as the glue that brings people closer together—whether amongst friends over dinner, couples strolling the markets, or families gathered during festivities like Songkran. Yet, emerging research cautions that not all laughter is created equal, especially in romantic relationships. A new wave of scientific findings reveals that humor can, at times, function less as a tool of intimacy than a weapon of subtle contempt—leaving lasting marks on trust, self-esteem, and emotional safety.