#Culture

South Korea’s rise as a global centre for cosmetic tourism is making waves throughout Asia and influencing medical travel trends worldwide. Fresh research and reportage reveal the bustling “Plastic Surgery Street” of Apgujeong in Gangnam, Seoul, now attracts more international visitors than ever, transforming the local beauty industry and prompting fresh debates on safety, pricing, and cultural attitudes towards cosmetic enhancement. The implications, both opportunities and risks, are especially pertinent for Thais considering cosmetic treatments abroad, and for the domestic industry responding to global change.

Artificial intelligence is quietly changing the way Thais communicate online and in classrooms. A study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development shows that English speakers are increasingly using AI-inspired phrases—“GPT words”—in daily speech and writing. The shift over the past 18 months blurs the line between human and machine language and raises questions for language, culture, and education in Thailand.

For Thai audiences, the trend matters because English remains a key tool for business, higher education, and international tourism. As Thai students and professionals interact with AI-driven platforms for study and work, understanding these linguistic shifts helps harness ai effectively while preserving Thai communicative values.

A pioneering study published in July 2025 has found that women tend to experience a sharp decline in anger as they reach and move through midlife, challenging common assumptions about mood instability and emotional health during menopause. This research, featured in Menopause, the journal of The Menopause Society, provides new insights that could reshape how Thai women understand their own emotional trajectories as they age, and how healthcare providers support them through the menopause transition.

A new wave of Asian travel interest is reshaping Thai vacation plans. Recent coverage highlights 14-day multi-country cruises that promise stunning views, luxury comfort, and authentic cultural immersion. Thai travelers increasingly favor sea-based trips that showcase regional heritage without constant packing or flight changes.

Cruise industry rebound mirrors broader recoveries, with operators unveiling itineraries that connect regional capitals and coastlines along the South China Sea. For many Thai holidaymakers, cruising offers a worry-free, all-inclusive experience that blends five-star hospitality with the chance to visit multiple destinations—Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan—while staying on a single ship. Tourism analysts note that these itineraries appeal to a wide spectrum of Thai travelers, from multi-generational families to young professionals, as ships add gourmet dining, wellness facilities, and carefully curated cultural experiences.

A recent spotlight from international travel media has cast fresh light on the appeal of multi-country Asian cruises, reflecting a growing trend among Thai travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation on the high seas. The profile of a 14-day Asian cruise with “unforgettable views” highlights both the luxurious comforts and the cultural immersion that these modern voyages now offer, signaling a shift in travel patterns post-pandemic as Thais and other Asian tourists increasingly explore their own region by sea.

A recent piece in Psychology Today examines a universal trait: people’s instinct to resist what feels unfamiliar. The article links fear of difference to both biology and the social narratives passed down by families, schools, and communities. For Thai readers, these insights connect with current social, educational, and cultural conversations across the country.

As Thailand becomes more diverse—from northern ethnic communities to southern Malay-speaking regions and Bangkok’s growing international scene—the way society responds to “the other” matters for social harmony, inclusive education, and economic opportunity. Understanding why familiarity can feel safer helps reduce prejudice and unlock collaboration and creativity in a connected world.

A July 2025 study in Menopause shows that many women experience a notable drop in anger through midlife. The findings challenge the stereotype of menopause as mood chaos and offer Thai healthcare professionals a clearer path to support women in transition.

In Thailand, menopause and perimenopause are often understood through physical symptoms—hot flashes, sleep disruption, and irregular periods. The new study shifts focus to emotional changes, indicating that anger tends to lessen with age during midlife. Data came from more than 500 women aged 35 to 55 who participated in the Seattle Midlife Women’s Health Study. The exception is anger that is suppressed or bottled up, which remains constant across age and menopausal status.

Thailand, like many countries across the globe, is entering a demographic era that will reshape its society, economy, and healthcare system: the age of the rapidly aging population. Recent analysis from financial institution Goldman Sachs, as summarized in the article “The Surprising Implications of an Aging Population” (goldmansachs.com), illustrates the far-reaching consequences of this trend—not just for industrialized economies, but also for fast-developing nations like Thailand.

The essence of this news lies in the profound societal changes sparked by longer lifespans and falling birth rates. Demographers and economists warn that, while increasing longevity is a triumph for public health, it introduces new challenges that affect economic growth, labor markets, public finances, and healthcare provision. In Thailand, policymakers, university researchers, and public health officials are already grappling with these questions, seeking strategies to care for a swelling cohort of older adults without stalling the country’s development.

Thailand stands at a demographic crossroads that will reshape families, work, and health services. A growing senior population is challenging public finances while unlocking opportunities in healthcare technology and senior-friendly tourism. This is not just a crisis; it is a chance to reinvent sectors and improve quality of life for Thai communities.

Longevity is rising worldwide, and Thailand is among the fastest-aging countries in Southeast Asia. By 2040, more than 30% of Thais are expected to be 60 or older. The shift will affect urban planning, pensions, and intergenerational dynamics as younger workers concentrate in cities and rural areas shed population.

A new article in Psychology Today has shed light on a persistent human trait: our tendency to resist anything unfamiliar—a phenomenon that impacts Thai society and communities worldwide in subtle but powerful ways. Recent research highlights how fear of difference is nurtured not just by our brains’ wiring but by deeply embedded societal lessons learned from family, school, and cultural narratives as we grow up (Psychology Today).

The significance of these findings lies in their resonance with ongoing social, educational, and cultural challenges across Thailand. As Thai society becomes more diverse—whether through ethnic communities in the North, the southern Malay-speaking provinces, or Bangkok’s increasingly international population—the question of how we react to “the other” has real implications for social harmony, inclusiveness in education policy, and economic opportunity. By understanding why humans instinctively draw comfort from the familiar and label the different as potentially risky, we can begin to address sources of prejudice and open doors to creativity and collaboration that are essential in an interconnected world.

The lines between extroversion and introversion are rarely clear-cut, according to the latest psychological research and expert commentary published in HuffPost’s “6 Signs That You Might Be An Extroverted Introvert” (HuffPost). As many Thais return to office life, social gatherings, and family reunions post-pandemic, the nuances of how we relate to others—and ourselves—have never felt more important. In a society known for its “kreng jai” culture (consideration for others and social harmony), understanding one’s place on the introvert-extrovert spectrum could be the key to better mental health and more harmonious relationships, both at home and work.

As Thai workplaces reopen and families gather again, understanding ambiverts—people who are outgoing in some moments but recharge best alone—helps communities connect more thoughtfully. A recent discussion about “6 Signs That You Might Be An Extroverted Introvert” spotlights a flexible sociability that resonates with Thai values of harmony and kreng jai, shaping how people interact at home, work, and in public life.

Experts say most people fall along a spectrum rather than in fixed boxes. The idea of an extroverted introvert mirrors everyday experience: enjoying social time while needing quiet moments to recover. In Bangkok’s busy rhythm and Thailand’s vibrant regional hubs, balancing public energy with private downtime is a common consideration.

Abandoned and forgotten places across the globe are experiencing an unlikely revival — as must-see tourist attractions, according to a recent overview by CNBC. Once neglected due to war, natural disasters, industry collapse, or the inexorable passage of time, these evocative spaces are drawing travelers in ever-growing numbers, offering both a thrill and a powerful lesson in history and resilience. The transformation of derelict ruins, shipwrecks, ghost towns, and relics of war into popular travel destinations signals a broader shift in tourism, where fascination with the uncanny and a hunger for unique experiences collide with heritage preservation and community revitalization efforts.

Abandoned places are no longer mere relics of neglect. They are becoming compelling destinations for travelers seeking authenticity, risk, and meaningful lessons from history. A new overview shows derelict ruins, shipwrecks, and former war sites being revived as educational, emotionally resonant experiences. The trend blends heritage preservation with community renewal, turning ghost towns and industrial ruins into purposeful journeys for visitors.

For Thai readers, this global shift mirrors local ambitions to transform neglected spaces into unique attractions. From Europe to the Asia-Pacific, these sites demonstrate how tragedy can be reframed into storytelling that resonates with modern travelers who crave significance, not just scenery.

A new global assessment shows why travel remains a major engine of prosperity. In 2024, the United States and China lead the world’s largest tourism economies. The U.S. tourism sector generated about $2.36 trillion, while China reached around $1.3 trillion. The findings, based on WTTC data and independent visual analyses, highlight how domestic demand, infrastructure, and policy choices shape national fortunes.

Tourism is not just about beaches and landmarks. It sustains jobs, funds infrastructure, and deepens international exchange. For Thailand, a country with a long history of growth driven by travel, the report underscores the need for strategic planning and adaptation to shifting regional dynamics as the recovery continues.

A recent analysis of the world’s largest tourism economies underscores the immense financial impact of travel on nations’ prosperity, with the United States and China leading the global hierarchy in 2024. Data published by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and visualized by Visual Capitalist shows that the U.S. tourism sector generated a staggering US$2.36 trillion this year, while China followed as a rapidly growing market at $1.3 trillion Visual Capitalist.

In a world where boundaries between technology and humanity are blurring, a growing number of people are forming deep, even marital, relationships with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, challenging long-held assumptions about love, companionship, and the human psyche. A recent feature by The Guardian explores the touching, complex, and sometimes controversial stories of individuals who have married or formed romantic bonds with AI personalities, highlighting a new dimension of digital life that is rapidly gaining attention worldwide, including in Thailand.

A global wave of interest in artificial intelligence is reshaping ideas of love, companionship, and identity. Across the world, people form deep bonds with AI chatbots, and some even marry their digital partners. Thai audiences are increasingly curious about how these trends intersect with culture, family, and well-being.

In one widely reported example, an American user grew from curiosity to emotional attachment with a generative AI chatbot on the Replika platform, culminating in a digital wedding. This case reflects a broader online community where people seek friendship, comfort, or deeper partnerships with AI. Data from researchers and social observers show similar stories emerging in many countries, including Thailand, where digital tools increasingly accompany daily life.

A growing body of science challenges the idea that waking at 5 a.m. guarantees success. For Thai readers, the practical takeaway is clear: align daily habits with personal biology, stay flexible, and manage energy thoughtfully. The latest findings point to a balanced path to higher productivity and well-being that fits Thai lifestyles, families, and work rhythms.

Research across professions shows that people thrive on varied schedules. Some peak at 7 a.m., others in the afternoon, and some late at night. The common thread is not the alarm clock but how individuals conserve energy and focus on core priorities. In Thailand, where family duties and night shifts are common, rigid routines can be impractical or unhealthy.

The myth that waking up at 5 a.m. is the golden ticket to success has long dominated social media feeds, with influencers and productivity gurus touting early morning routines as essential for achieving peak performance. However, recent research and expert interviews suggest that true mental strength isn’t about clock-watching at dawn—it’s about aligning daily habits with personal biology, flexible routines, and conscious energy management. For Thai readers searching for practical, science-backed strategies to improve productivity and well-being, the latest findings shine a light on a more balanced, adaptable pathway to success.

A growing body of research questions how mental illness is depicted in South Asian television, noting that many popular dramas still cast psychiatric distress as punishment for moral missteps. Such portrayals can amplify stigma, deter help-seeking, and reinforce social hierarchies rather than foster understanding. For Thai viewers who stream these dramas, the messaging travels beyond entertainment and shapes real-world attitudes toward mental health.

A comprehensive critique by a senior journalism researcher examines how major series frame mental illness as a consequence of moral or spiritual failings. Programs like Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Chup Raho, and Humsafar have depicted crises as divine punishment or the result of “bad” behavior, especially for female characters who challenge traditional norms. This narrative pattern risks normalizing stereotypes instead of cultivating empathy and informed responses.

For anyone who has struggled through an exhausting workout or high-stakes athletic event, the sensation that time stretches out—every minute crawling by—will be a familiar one. Now, new research published in the journal Brain and Behavior is shedding light on why our brains seem to play tricks on us during physically demanding activities. The study, led by a sports scientist from Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with researchers at the University of Groningen and Vrije University of Amsterdam, reveals that intense exercise distorts our sense of time, making external clocks run slow while our own bodies move at full speed (Earth.com).

Time often seems to drag during intense workouts, a phenomenon researchers explain through brain and body signals. A recent study in Brain and Behavior shows that strenuous effort distorts how we perceive time, with external clocks appearing to run slower while the body pushes to the limit.

This finding matters for Thailand’s growing fitness culture and health initiatives. Athletes, coaches, and fitness enthusiasts can use these insights to train more intelligently and monitor effort with reliability. The study sheds light on why timing can drift during endurance efforts and how that might influence training plans and competition strategies, especially for Thai runners and cyclists.

A new wave of research shows that how we take time off matters more than the length or location of a holiday. For Thai readers, this means rethinking travel rituals from Songkran reunions to weekend seaside trips. The key is mental detachment from work and purposeful leisure that blends rest with meaningful activity.

In Thailand’s fast-paced cities, the urge to maximize every moment—packing itineraries with sightseeing, shopping, and family commitments—can undermine the restorative value of a break. While vacations can lift mood and reduce fatigue in the short term, effects often fade within two to four weeks after returning to daily routines.