#CulturalIdentity

Scientists have unlocked a universal code to what it means to be “cool”—and it turns out, these qualities transcend cultural boundaries. According to groundbreaking research published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology, people around the world, from the United States to China, Nigeria to Germany, consistently identify a set of six core personality traits that define the elusive concept of “coolness.” The findings are reshaping our understanding of how global media, social trends, and cultural exchange converge to create modern social archetypes, with important implications for Thailand’s own youth, education, and cultural landscape.

A new international study has turned a spotlight on the ever-elusive concept of “coolness,” revealing that the quality might be less about trendsetting or attitude, and more about six key personality traits. Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, this research offers fresh insights not just into pop culture, but also into the ways global media and Western values shape our perceptions—even here in Thailand, where local and global cultures intersect constantly (NYTimes).

Khun Chang Khun Phaen, the grand epic of Thai literature, stands as a cultural touchstone that’s equal parts folklore, romance, supernatural adventure, and complex social drama. At its heart lies an unforgettable love triangle and the fates of characters whose motives, virtues, and flaws feel as vivid today as they did centuries ago. This article provides a concise overview of the story before delving into the personalities and roles of its major figures—particularly those sought by readers: Phlai Ngam, Wanthong (also known as Nang Phim Philalai), Nang Srimala, Khun Chang, and Khun Phaen.

A new wave of scholarship is overturning the simplistic view of English as a “killer language” steamrolling over the world’s linguistic diversity. Recent findings, as highlighted in Laura Spinney’s latest article for Big Think, reveal that while English remains undeniably dominant, its expansion and alleged impact on other languages are far more complex than previously thought. Instead of a binary narrative of destruction and supremacy, researchers now see English as both converging and diverging — simultaneously fueling the birth of new varieties, while occupying a unique and dynamic role in multilingual societies worldwide. These insights are critical for Thai readers, educators, and policymakers grappling with the place of English in a rapidly globalizing region.