#Culture

A growing body of research and expert consensus now challenges the long-held belief that mobility and flexibility are immutable traits set by genetics. Instead, these vital aspects of physical health are increasingly recognized as skills that nearly anyone can improve with targeted practice, according to recent coverage and advice from fitness professionals, including a yoga instructor featured by Fit&Well. This shift in perspective holds special significance for Thais of all ages seeking to enhance their quality of life, prevent injuries, and remain active throughout the lifespan.

After every major event—an election result, a surprise business failure, or even a football match—how often do we hear people say, “I knew that would happen”? This feeling of inevitability after the fact is so common that psychologists have given it a name: hindsight bias, or the “knew-it-all-along” phenomenon. Far from being a harmless quirk, hindsight bias shapes how we recall and learn from experience, affects our judgments, and even influences fields as diverse as medicine, law, and policymaking. For Thai readers navigating rapidly changing global events, understanding hindsight bias can help us make more rational decisions and avoid costly mental mistakes.

Confirmation bias, a deeply rooted psychological phenomenon, explains why we tend to focus on information that agrees with our pre-existing beliefs and ignore or discredit evidence that challenges them. In everyday life, this invisible force shapes not only our individual decisions but also the way Thai society interprets news, politics, and even the stories we tell ourselves about our health and well-being. The significance of understanding confirmation bias is becoming increasingly clear in an era where information is abundant but polarization is rising, both globally and in Thailand.

Every day, people in Thailand—like in many countries—make decisions, big and small, often based on the information that comes most readily to mind. Whether it’s choosing a school, selecting healthcare options, or even deciding which road to take during rainy season, human judgment is rarely as objective as we might assume. One powerful but often unnoticed force at play is “availability bias,” a psychological phenomenon that shapes thinking and behavior based on the information most easily recalled, rather than all relevant facts [Simply Psychology], [Encyclopedia Britannica].

A groundbreaking new study has found that adults who report avoidant attachment to their parents are significantly more likely to choose a childfree lifestyle, a trend that is increasingly visible in both Western societies and emerging in Thai urban areas. The research, which analyzes psychological factors influencing reproductive decisions, adds valuable context to ongoing discussions about declining birth rates and shifting family expectations worldwide.

As Thailand faces an alarming drop in national birth rates — the lowest in decades according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (Bangkok Post) — the findings are particularly relevant. While economic uncertainties and shifting societal roles have been widely acknowledged as drivers, the new study highlights the impact of family attachments and early-life emotional bonds on adult choices to remain childfree.

Running before breakfast—once whispered about only in elite sporting circles—has stepped into the spotlight as growing numbers of athletes embrace “fasted cardio” for improved fat burning and performance. This trend, recently highlighted in a widely circulated Men’s Journal report, is now backed by a mounting body of scientific research, offering both promise and caution for Thai runners seeking to supercharge their fitness routines.

For years, the conventional advice handed down to Thai runners and fitness enthusiasts was to fuel up before workouts. However, scientific studies are revealing that skipping that pre-run meal may offer distinct metabolic advantages, especially for activities like morning jogging or moderate endurance training. The heart of the matter: When you exercise on an empty stomach, your body faces depleted glycogen reserves and must turn rapidly to stored body fat for energy. A 2015 study frequently cited in fitness media found that individuals who exercised in a fasted state increased fat oxidation rates over 24 hours, compared to those who worked out after eating (Yahoo Lifestyle). Similar findings were presented in a review published in the British Journal of Nutrition, noting the metabolic shift and greater reliance on fat as fuel during fasted exercise (PubMed).

A groundbreaking new study is challenging longstanding demographic wisdom by asserting that humanity’s current fertility rate is now too low to guarantee survival—even if average births per woman meet the historical “replacement” level. The research, led by a Japanese scientist and published in the journal PLOS One, argues that the global average of 2.1 children per woman simply isn’t enough. Instead, it suggests that a fertility rate of 2.7 is the true mark required to ensure humanity’s long-term prospects, a conclusion that carries serious implications for countries like Thailand, where the fertility rate is well below these thresholds.

Fear is recognized as a vital part of the human experience, protecting us from harm and danger. Yet for millions of people around the globe, this essential emotion can morph into something far more disruptive—a relentless force that governs daily decisions, limits social, academic, and work accomplishments, and even reshapes family dynamics. A new in-depth feature by Deseret News has brought renewed attention to the real, often unseen impact of fear-driven mental health conditions such as phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), highlighting not just individual struggles but emerging, effective treatment approaches as well (Deseret News).

Recent discussions on parenting have reignited interest in the methods used by earlier generations, sparking a debate about the timeless wisdom embedded in so-called “old-school” parenting approaches. While contemporary “gentle parenting” strategies have gained significant popularity, recent media coverage, including a widely shared article from YourTango, highlights how many traditional parenting methods still offer valuable insights for today’s families (YourTango). This renewed conversation is especially relevant as Thai parents examine the shifting landscape of family life and child development in the digital age.

A new study has revealed that lucid dreaming is not simply a vivid form of REM sleep, but constitutes an entirely unique state of consciousness—one with neurological hallmarks that set it apart from both waking and ordinary dreaming. This major breakthrough in sleep science, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, offers tantalising implications for understanding the human mind and may one day help people harness more of their cognitive potential—even outside of sleep.

New scientific research from Japan is shedding light on a remarkable role of sleep: it does not just safeguard our memories of the past, but also equips the brain for learning and adapting to the future. The findings, published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, offer insights that are poised to reshape education strategies and approaches to memory health, with clear significance for individuals and policymakers in Thailand.

For generations, Thais—like people worldwide—have held age-old beliefs about the power of a good night’s sleep. Apart from its value for physical health, sleep has long been assumed to help “remember” lessons, from Buddhist scripture memorization in temples to late-night cramming before university examinations. This study by researchers led by a professor at the University of Toyama delivers fresh, concrete scientific evidence that gives new meaning to those cultural insights—and may even offer new paths to address memory-related diseases, a rising concern as Thailand’s population ages.

New research is reinvigorating an age-old idea: exercising with a partner can significantly boost motivation, workout consistency, and long-term health outcomes. Recent findings show gym attendance increases by 35% when people bring a friend, with participants tending to exercise longer and at higher intensities compared to those who go it alone (PhillyVoice). This growing body of evidence holds special relevance for Thai society, where communal activity is ingrained in daily life but modern urbanisation is nudging lifestyles towards individualism.

A wave of new research is questioning long-held beliefs about the importance of cooling down after exercise, suggesting that its physiological necessity may be overstated for most people. While personal trainers and fitness routines in Thailand and around the world have long emphasized the cool-down as a key component of any workout, recent evidence shows its benefits might be more limited than commonly assumed, prompting a shift in how fitness enthusiasts and everyday Thais might approach their exercise routines (New York Times, 2025).

Meeting your partner’s parents for the first time can be a nerve-wracking milestone, but recent expert insights offer practical strategies for making the best impression. Drawing on specialist advice compiled by relationship counsellors, psychologists, and family therapists, these tips highlight both universal etiquette and subtle cultural nuances particularly relevant for Thai readers navigating family introductions.

The prospect of meeting a partner’s parents holds considerable weight in Thai society, where family approval continues to play a central role in shaping romantic relationships and future marriage prospects. Against this backdrop, understanding psychological best practices can help young couples foster meaningful connections with their future in-laws, reduce stress, and build mutual trust right from the outset.

Ben Affleck’s recent refusal to buy his son a staggering $6,000 pair of sneakers has ignited widespread discussion about celebrity parenting, youth spending culture, and the enduring value of teen employment. The Hollywood star, acclaimed for both his on-screen performances and his role as a father, shared this story publicly while revealing that his children hold “classic teenager” jobs—a detail that resonates far beyond the glitz of stardom. As celebrities often influence social norms, especially among young people, Affleck’s approach has prompted both admiration and debate, raising critical questions for Thai parents about financial discipline, youth work ethics, and fostering responsibility in the next generation (source).

A rising tide of research and real-world experience is challenging the notion that parenting should be a solitary journey. In a compelling new article from The Guardian, journalist Marina Lopes shares five vital lessons from communities around the globe—Mozambique, Brazil, Malaysia, the Netherlands, and Singapore—highlighting the profound benefits of communal parenting, intergenerational support, and greater independence for children (“Please, yell at my kids! Five lessons I’ve learned about good parenting from around the world” The Guardian, 2025). Lopes’ revelations echo a growing body of research and hold special significance for Thai families balancing tradition and modernity in a time of rapid social change.

Kylie Kelce, wife of NFL star Jason Kelce, has captured the hearts and attention of fans and parenting communities in Thailand and beyond after sharing a deeply personal story about her decision to grow her family. In a candid interview with People magazine, Kylie described the emotional moment she realized she wanted to have another baby, reminding many readers of the complex mix of emotion, practicality, and love that goes into making family planning decisions. While her story is deeply personal, it highlights broader trends and research into what motivates people—particularly women—to consider having more children, a topic that carries significant cultural resonance in Thailand as birth rates continue to decline [source: People Magazine].

In the fragrant tapestry of Thai herbal medicine, few remedies are as enduring and evocative as อบเชย — the inner bark of trees from the Cinnamomum genus, globally known as cinnamon. Revered for centuries in traditional Thai practice and now validated by an emerging body of modern scientific research, cinnamon’s story is one of remarkable intersection, where ancient wisdom and cutting-edge pharmacology converge. As cinnamon once wove itself into the heart of local temples, kitchens, and healing ceremonies, today it stirs renewed curiosity among health-conscious readers and researchers wishing to unlock the secrets behind this cherished bark.

For centuries, the fragrant seeds of ‘raew’—better known to botanists as Amomum villosum (เร่วน้อย) and Amomum xanthioides (เร่วใหญ่)—have been legends in Thai kitchens and apothecaries alike. Celebrated for their unique aroma, these “Siamese cardamoms” are deeply entwined with both local tradition and the broader pulse of Southeast Asian culture. But what happens when this ancient remedy meets the scrutiny of modern science? As laboratories investigate its age-old promises, ‘raew’ stands at the fascinating crossroads between folk wisdom and contemporary pharmacology—offering a lesson in balancing reverence for tradition with healthy skepticism.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress is an omnipresent force impacting millions globally, including in Thailand. Chronic stress, distinct from its short-term counterpart, wields the power to disrupt both mental and physical health profoundly. A recent article published by NDTV delved into this ubiquitous issue, identifying subtle signs of elevated stress and providing natural strategies for stress reduction curated by Integrative Health Coach Urvashi Agarwal. Such insights are crucial for Thai readers navigating the challenges of modern living and seeking holistic wellness solutions.

With the spotlight often focused on anxiety attacks, many might overlook the equally impactful but lesser-known “depression attack.” Highlighted recently by HuffPost’s report, this continues to be a growing concern in mental health discussions. Unlike the clinical diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), depression attacks describe a sudden, intense wave of despair and emotional paralysis, as explained by clinical psychologist Comfort Shields, indicating an immediate need for awareness and understanding.

In Thailand, where mental health often intertwines deeply with cultural taboos and socioeconomic challenges, understanding this phenomenon can empower individuals to seek support and acknowledge their mental wellbeing. While depression attacks aren’t clinically diagnosed, they manifest through sharp “attacks” of severe sadness and feelings of helplessness, unlike the prolonged nature of MDD. Monica Amorosi, a licensed mental health counselor, suggests these attacks may seem sudden but are often the result of intensified symptoms due to various triggers.

In the world of Thai traditional medicine, few remedies conjure as much intrigue as “khon dok” (ขอนดอก), a unique crude drug derived not from the foliage or flowers of a plant, but from the fungus-infused heartwood of ancient trees, specifically the sacred “pikul” (Mimusops elengi) and “tabak” (Lagerstroemia calyculata). Revered for centuries across the region, khon dok resonates as an intersection of deep-rooted animist tradition, classical Thai and Ayurvedic healing, and emerging biomedical research. Today, as both practitioners and scientists re-examine humble old formulas in the quest for greener, more localized therapeutics, the story of khon dok stands as a compelling model of how ancient wisdom and modern science can harmonize.

To anyone familiar with the fragrant world of traditional Thai and Chinese herbal medicine, few roots embody such history and medical promise as kot kraduk (โกฐกระดูก), known scientifically as Aucklandia lappa DC. and in Chinese as mu xiang (木香). With its distinctive aromatic qualities, kot kraduk—once procured chiefly from trade routes stretching into the Himalayas—has been renowned for centuries across Asia as a mainstay of herbal prescriptions for digestive, pain, and inflammatory conditions. As scientific advances probe the truths behind ancient healing, kot kraduk emerges as a fascinating case where tradition and research meet.