#Culture

Smells can linger in memory long after the scent fades, shaping mood and behavior. A new study from the University of Florida reveals how the brain assigns emotional value to odors, offering fresh insights for sensory health and potential clinical treatments. The research shows that odor experiences are not just about smell notes—they’re tied to deep brain circuits that determine what we find pleasant or aversive.

In Thailand, where street market aromas swirl and local foods like pla ra (fermented fish) and other pungent scents are integral to daily life, the subjective nature of “good” and “bad” smells is more than a curiosity. As Bangkok and other cities become more diverse, understanding how the brain chooses which odors to embrace could impact mental wellbeing and everyday experiences, including healthcare environments.

A sweeping new review of nearly 340 studies has cast doubt on the widely held belief that similarities between long-term romantic partners are the key to relationship satisfaction and longevity. While the idea that “birds of a feather flock together” dominates Western thinking, the research finds that actual similarity in personality, interests, and background may play a much smaller role in relationship success than previously assumed. Instead, it appears the feeling of being similar to one’s partner—rather than measurable overlap—could matter most for lasting happiness together (PsyPost).

New research suggests that some well-meaning vacation habits can actually heighten stress. Insights from travel experts and mental health professionals indicate that overplanning, strict itineraries, and constant social media comparison may undermine relaxation. For Thai readers who prize sanuk—the enjoyment of life—these findings offer practical lessons to keep holidays restorative rather than pressure-filled.

Overscheduling tops the list of vacation stressors. Many travelers cram visits to temples, markets, and attractions into a single day, leaving little room for spontaneous discovery. Experts advise building blocks of free time into each day to allow authentic experiences to unfold naturally. This balanced approach resonates with global tourism research and is echoed by Thai travelers seeking meaningful, unrushed experiences.

A whiff of microwaved fish may linger in your kitchen—and your memory—but what makes some smells universally unpleasant while others draw fond nostalgia? Recent research from the University of Florida uncovers how our brains assign emotional value to odors, offering insights that could reshape approaches to sensory health and even clinical treatment of scent-related distress (SciTechDaily).

For Thais who cherish the bustling aromas of street markets or the stinging tang of fermented fish (pla ra), the subjective nature of “good” and “bad” smells is more than a curiosity—it’s a matter woven into daily life, heritage, and even mental wellbeing. As major Thai cities grow ever more cosmopolitan, and with mental health awareness rising, understanding exactly how our brain selects which odors to embrace (or reject) could have widespread impacts.

A comprehensive review of nearly 340 studies challenges the idea that matching traits predict long-term relationship success. The research suggests that actual similarity in personality, backgrounds, and interests plays only a modest role. Instead, feeling similar to a partner—perceived similarity—has a stronger link to lasting happiness and relationship stability.

For Thai readers navigating traditional values and modern dating, the findings are especially relevant. Thailand’s social landscape blends age-old beliefs about partnership with global dating culture, raising questions about what truly sustains a satisfying relationship.

Vacations are meant to recharge our spirits and provide relief from daily routines, but new research warns that certain habits may be undermining the very relaxation holidaymakers seek. A recent feature in HuffPost collects insights from travel experts and mental health professionals, revealing that common vacation practices—from overplanning to obsessively comparing trips on social media—may be fueling stress rather than easing it (HuffPost). For many Thais who place great value on sanuk (enjoyment of life), these revelations offer both warnings and practical lessons against letting leisure turn into another form of pressure.

A groundbreaking psychology study published in the Journal of Research in Personality has uncovered that people around the world—including potentially in Thailand—tend to make strong, consistent judgments about a person’s personality based solely on their tattoos, but these assessments are usually inaccurate. Only tattoos judged to be particularly “wacky” or unusual line up, to a modest degree, with reality: such tattoos are linked with higher openness to new experiences, according to the researchers (PsyPost).

The Thai term for Western foreigners, “farang,” is at the center of a nuanced debate about race, identity, and belonging in Thailand. While some view it as a simple descriptor, others see potential for bias, depending on tone and context. The discussion is part of a broader global conversation about language, power, and inclusion.

In everyday Thai life, farang is a familiar term heard in markets, streets, and homes. Originating from an old Persian word meaning Westerners, the term arrived in Thai usage centuries ago and evolved into a general label for white foreigners. The Royal Institute Dictionary recognizes farang as a common reference for Caucasian visitors, reflecting its long-standing presence in both formal and informal speech. As Thailand’s expatriate community grows in Bangkok and tourist hubs like Phuket and Chiang Mai, the term has become a focal point in conversations about cultural integration.

A recent psychology study reveals that people tend to judge a person’s personality based on tattoos, but those judgments are rarely accurate. The research found that only tattoos deemed “wacky” or unusual carried a modest link to openness to new experiences. In practice, visual cues about tattoos do not reliably reflect traits like agreeableness, extraversion, or conscientiousness.

In Thailand today, decorative and symbolic tattoos are common among urban youth, tourists, and even religious devotees. As body art grows in popularity—mirroring trends seen in many countries, where roughly one in three adults has some form of tattoo—this study highlights how stubborn stereotypes persist even as tattoo culture broadens its meanings.

AI chatbots are emerging as a potential emotional lifeline for people seeking support, with new research showing more individuals turning to artificial intelligence for comfort traditionally sought from human therapists. While this offers faster, around-the-clock access, experts warn about privacy risks and the limits of AI as a substitute for professional care. The Thai context is especially salient as access to mental health services remains uneven and cultural factors influence how people seek help.

ChatGPT, a widely used generative AI chatbot, is becoming an emotional lifeline for individuals seeking support, with new research indicating a record number of people are turning to artificial intelligence for comfort traditionally sought from human therapists. The rapid rise in AI’s role as a confidant is stirring both hope and concern among mental health experts and policymakers worldwide — and it holds unique implications for Thailand, where access to mental healthcare remains a societal challenge.

A new research study has revealed a compelling link between out-of-body experiences and elevated rates of mental health symptoms and psychological trauma, deepening scientific understanding of this mysterious phenomenon and raising crucial questions for the Thai mental health community. The findings, originally reported in PsyPost, highlight the need for greater awareness and nuanced care for individuals reporting such experiences, which have long captured the human imagination but remain poorly understood in clinical settings.

A new international study reveals that people who report out-of-body experiences (OBEs) tend to show higher levels of anxiety, depression, dissociation, and exposure to trauma. The research adds depth to our understanding of OBEs and highlights important considerations for mental health services in Thailand.

OBEs are experiences where individuals feel they are observing their own bodies from an external perspective. While some interpret these episodes as spiritual or mystical, scientists are increasingly examining them through neuroscience and psychology. The latest study, published in a peer-reviewed journal, surveyed people who report OBEs and found they are more likely to report mental health symptoms and trauma than those who have not had such experiences.

New research is shedding light on a paradox long observed in entertainment and everyday life: some of the world’s funniest individuals also struggle with some of the deepest emotional pain. Recent findings compiled by a neuroscience expert in Psychology Today draw directly on brain science and psychological studies to explain this hidden connection, offering insights not only for global audiences but also for Thai readers who deeply value humor as a tool for social connection.

New science is clarifying a paradox many have observed: some of the world’s funniest individuals also wrestle with deep emotional pain. A neuroscience-focused review in Psychology Today links brain science to the humor-emotion connection, offering insights relevant to Thai readers who value laughter as a social glue.

Thailand loves comedy, from Likay theatre and stand-up to TV satire. Jokes brighten markets, offices, and classrooms, yet research suggests making others smile can be both a blessing and a burden. A neuroscience piece notes that comedians and people with a talent for humor show complex brain activity. Laughter releases mood-boosting chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, providing momentary relief. For those with depression, the usual sources of pleasure can be disrupted, making humor a coping mechanism rather than mere entertainment.

It often seems like a no-brainer: after months or even years away from beloved activities or close friends, one might expect people to jump at the first opportunity to return. But surprising new research suggests the opposite may be true—intense longing can actually morph into procrastination, with people intentionally delaying joyous reunions and experiences in the hope of making them even more meaningful. This paradox, revealed in a new study published in the journal PNAS Nexus and summarized by Neuroscience News, uncovers a hidden link between pleasure and procrastination that has powerful implications for personal happiness and social connection (Neuroscience News).

New research reveals a surprising twist: longing for a loved activity or reunion can lead people to delay returning, not jump back in. The study, published in PNAS Nexus and summarized by Neuroscience News, shows that intense anticipation can cause a ritualized postponement of joy. This has broad implications for personal happiness and social connection.

For Thai readers, the findings resonate in a post-pandemic world where family dinners, local festivals, and Songkran celebrations were paused or altered. The research challenges common assumptions about motivation and invites a closer look at the psychological barriers people face when re-engaging with positive moments.

A sweeping new study by Pew Research Center finds that the United States stands out for its high religious identity and spiritual beliefs compared to other wealthy nations, revealing patterns that illuminate both global diversity and unique features of American private faith.

For Thai readers keen to understand both their position in a changing world and evolving global values, this research sheds light on how different societies experience religion and spirituality in daily life. With the survey encompassing 36 countries representing nearly half the world’s population, Thailand gains insight into international religious and spiritual trends that may shape local views, policy, and social debate.

Recent research highlighted by Psychology Today suggests that true self-care goes far beyond popular notions of pampering or taking breaks when overwhelmed. The article argues that authentic self-care demands a profound change in mindset and the way individuals relate to themselves, especially as many people still approach self-care reactively, only turning to rest and restoration after crisis and exhaustion have set in (Psychology Today).

This new wave of psychological research is particularly significant for Thai readers, as the stresses of modern living in Thailand—whether in bustling Bangkok or throughout the countryside—mirror global trends: rapid urbanisation, rising work demands, and recently, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. Many Thais turn to rest practices only when they reach the point of exhaustion, reinforcing cycles of burnout. The research calls into question the sustainability of this “crisis-driven” approach to self-care, urging a more proactive and sustained relationship with one’s own well-being.

Thai workers, students, and professionals know the sting of embarrassment—tripping in front of a crowd, forgetting to mute a Zoom mic, or realizing a shirt is on backward during a crucial meeting. New analyses suggest embarrassment is not just a cringe-worthy feeling but a key driver of trust, learning, and social cohesion. Research released in June 2025 highlights embarrassment as a meaningful self-conscious emotion with real benefits for individuals and communities.

A wave of fresh scientific research has reaffirmed a growing understanding in psychology: even when traumatic memories seem to fade from the mind, the human body continues to carry traces of distress for years, sometimes decades. This discovery, recently highlighted by mental health advocates and major studies alike, is forcing a rethink of how therapy and recovery are approached—particularly for Thais who may have lived through periods of violence, natural disaster, or family turmoil.

New research highlighted by Psychology Today argues that authentic self-care requires a fundamental shift in mindset and how people relate to themselves. Many individuals still wait for crisis and exhaustion before seeking rest, a reactive pattern that undermines long-term well-being. In short, true self-care is proactive, not a last-minute rescue.

For Thai readers, this discussion resonates with pressures faced in Bangkok and across the countryside. Rapid urbanisation, rising work demands, and the lingering mental health effects of the COVID-19 era mirror global trends. Data from studies in Thailand shows a growing prevalence of stress-related symptoms and fatigue among workers, underscoring the relevance of moving away from crisis-driven rest toward ongoing well-being practices.

Trauma can linger in the body long after the memory fades. New science shows that physical symptoms—headaches, fatigue, stomach trouble, and chronic pain—can persist even when someone believes they have moved on. This insight is changing how therapists approach recovery, with growing emphasis on treating both mind and body. For Thai readers, it highlights the importance of holistic care especially in communities that historically suppress emotional pain.

A prominent study from the University of Oklahoma followed survivors of a major bombing incident. Seven years later, researchers found elevated inflammation markers and lower cortisol levels in survivors who appeared mentally healthy. In other words, the body remained on alert even when the mind seemed to be at peace. Lead author Dr. Phebe Tucker notes that resilience of the mind does not guarantee biological recovery, signaling potential long-term health risks if left unaddressed.

Why are Thais drawn to antiques and the unique vibe of historical spaces—from Bangkok’s vibrant amulet markets to Chiang Mai’s ancient wooden houses? Psychology researchers say the pull goes beyond taste. A recent feature on place authenticity explains how our connection to a place shapes nostalgia, well-being, and culture in daily life.

Place authenticity refers to the genuine character of a space—its history, culture, and community echoes. The idea helps explain why some environments feel like they belong to us, offering emotional connection, identity, and a comforting sense of continuity in a fast-changing world. In Thailand, such spaces—temples, old shop houses, and community centers formed from ancestral buildings—are visible reminders of shared memory and belonging.