#Ethics

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 groundbreaking study published in July 2025 is shedding light on a longstanding human behavior: the reluctance to publicly dismiss or excuse the wrongdoings of others, even when no one is directly harmed. The research, which has been reported by MedicalXpress, delves into why individuals hesitate to downplay moral transgressions in public settings, offering important insights into the complexities of social dynamics, moral judgment, and community cohesion.

This new study’s focus is significant for contemporary Thai society, where public expressions of morality and group harmony are longstanding values. Thai readers are likely to recognize the tension between wanting to maintain face (rak sa na) in social situations and the cultural emphasis on sanuk (enjoyment) and sabai (comfort), which sometimes encourage turning a blind eye to small misdeeds. The study’s findings raise questions about the pressures faced by individuals who witness ethical slip-ups—such as cheating, lying, or minor thefts—but choose not to excuse such behaviour publicly.

Emerging research from a renowned American liberal arts college is offering fresh insights into how computer technology both empowers and challenges today’s classrooms—a duality increasingly relevant as Thai schools and universities embrace digital learning. A recent article, “Inside the classroom: The gifts and burdens of computer technology,” details the evolving approach of the “Computers and Society” course at Lafayette College, exposing students—not just in computer science but across disciplines—to the profound social, ethical, and legal choices driven by rapid technological advancement. The findings and practices from this course offer timely lessons for Thailand, where digital literacy and critical analysis of technology’s effects are urgent educational priorities.

Pope Leo XIV has called on world leaders, tech innovators, and global citizens to ensure the development of artificial intelligence (AI) is guided by ethics, human dignity, and the promotion of peaceful societies. In a message delivered during the AI for Good Summit in Geneva on July 10, 2025, the pontiff urged the international community to establish robust frameworks and regulations that put the “common good” at the center of the AI revolution. As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes key sectors from healthcare and education to governance, the Pope’s intervention underlines mounting concerns about the pace and direction of AI development worldwide.

A new artificial intelligence (AI) system, developed by international researchers, is turning heads worldwide for its uncanny ability to predict human decisions with unprecedented accuracy—raising both hopes of revolutionary applications and urgent questions about privacy and ethics. This breakthrough, recently published in the journal Nature, introduces the AI model “Centaur”, which has outperformed decades-old cognitive models in forecasting how people think, learn, and act across diverse scenarios (studyfinds.org).

Centaur’s creators set out with an ambitious goal: develop a single AI system capable of predicting human behaviour in any psychological experiment, regardless of context or complexity. To achieve this, they compiled a massive “Psych-101” dataset spanning 160 types of psychological tests—ranging from memory exercises and risk-taking games to moral and logical dilemmas—amassing data from over 60,000 people and more than 10 million separate decisions. Unlike traditional models tuned for specific tasks, Centaur was trained to generalise, understanding the plain-language descriptions of each experiment.

A bold new wave of speculation about artificial intelligence has reignited debate among scientists and the public alike, as a prominent computer scientist and futurist asserts that humanity is on the verge of achieving the long-anticipated “singularity”—the theoretical moment when human and artificial intelligence fundamentally merge. According to the recently published book, “The Singularity is Nearer,” the extraordinary prediction is that this transformative event could occur within the next 20 years, powered by brain-embedded nanotechnology and exponential advances in computing power Yahoo News.

Afghanistan, long marred by decades of conflict, is witnessing an unexpected and slow revival in tourism since the return of Taliban rule, according to the latest report by the Associated Press. The current rulers, whose government has not yet been recognized by the international community, are actively encouraging foreign visitation, touting the revenue and cultural exchange potential for a nation in deep economic and social flux (apnews.com).

For Thai readers, the story offers a gripping lens into how economic desperation, societal transformation, and international isolation can upend even the most unlikely sectors—like tourism—in conflict-ridden nations. As Thailand’s own tourism industry serves as the economic backbone and a major conduit for cultural dialogue, the Afghan situation is a case study in how travel and tourism can become both a form of soft diplomacy and a crucible for ethical debate.

A surge of public resistance to generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining momentum, with consumers, workers, and local communities voicing sharp criticism against what many see as the unchecked advance of disruptive technology. Recent events, such as the backlash against Duolingo’s shift to an “AI-first” model and the mounting protests over data center pollution, underscore a growing sentiment that AI is beginning to harm more lives than it helps, stirring wide-ranging debates in both the digital and physical worlds (Wired).

Parinibbana, known in the Pali canon as Parinirvana—the ‘final nirvana’—is a foundational mystery and ultimate goal within Buddhist philosophy. The topic holds profound significance for Thai Buddhists, as it marks not only the historical moment of the Buddha’s complete emancipation but also serves as the ideal endpoint for all practitioners. Yet, interpretations and explanations about its true nature remain complex, requiring careful analysis grounded in Thai sources and Buddhist scripture. Here, we explore key elements of Parinibbana, its meaning, historical accounts, insights from Thai scholars, controversies, and enduring implications for contemporary Thai society.

As Thai society continues to evolve amidst global pressures and rapid modernisation, there is a renewed interest in traditional wisdom to guide ethical leadership and sustainable organisational development. Nowhere is this more evident than in the intersection of management theory and Buddhist practice—a relationship that has underpinned much of Thailand’s unique approach to leadership, community, and institutional governance. Understanding how Buddhism informs management is not only vital for those in positions of authority but also deeply relevant for ordinary Thais, from local government officials to business leaders and educators, seeking a balance between effectiveness, social harmony, and ethical integrity.

The Ovada-Patimokkha, or “Patimokkha Exhortation”, stands as a cornerstone of Buddhist doctrine, revered for its profound encapsulation of Buddhist ethical teachings and practical guidance. This key teaching, given by the Buddha to the early Sangha, marks not only a historical and spiritual milestone, but also continues to shape Thai society’s understanding of morality, mindfulness, and communal harmony. Unpacking its depth offers modern readers essential perspective—whether Buddhist or not—on living with wisdom, compassion, and restraint.

The Middle Way (Majjhima Patipada) stands as one of the defining principles of Buddhist philosophy, guiding followers toward a life of balance and wisdom. For Thai Buddhists, this concept is more than a metaphysical ideal; it is a practical approach to daily living that underpins not only spiritual practice but also social harmony and individual well-being. As the very heart of the Buddha’s teaching, the Middle Way offers profound relevance in the context of modern Thai society where people often face competing extremes in a rapidly evolving world.

Few stories captivate the Thai Buddhist imagination as deeply as the Vessantara Jataka, known in Thai as “เวสสันดรชาดก”. Revered as the penultimate birth story of the Buddha, this epic weaves together themes of compassion, renunciation, and the paradoxes of human virtue—echoing through temple walls, village festivals, and the ethical compass of millions of Thais. As both a religious parable and a cultural event, Vessantara Jataka occupies a unique place in the socio-spiritual fabric of Thailand, inviting both reverence and critical reflection from monks, scholars, and the public alike.

The concept of “วิธีสากลพุทธศาสนา,” or “Universal Methods in Buddhism,” has become an important topic for reflection in contemporary Thai society. This concept refers to the timeless, cross-cultural principles, methods, and teachings within Buddhism believed to be applicable to all people, regardless of background, nationality, or era. As Thai society becomes increasingly interconnected with the world, understanding what makes certain Buddhist practices ‘universal’ is vital for both preserving religious heritage and fostering harmony in a diverse, global community.

The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, known in Thai as the “ปฐมเทศนา” or First Sermon, stands at the very foundation of Buddhist teaching. Delivered by the Buddha to the five ascetics at Isipatana (present-day Sarnath, India) just seven weeks after his enlightenment, this moment marks the symbolic “turning of the Wheel of Dhamma.” Understanding the content and significance of this sermon is vital for anyone wishing to grasp the essence of Buddhism and its transformative impact on Thai culture, education, and society (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta - Wikipedia).

A wave of recent scientific research is challenging the common perception that meditation and mindfulness are universally beneficial, ignoring their potential to cause significant harm for some practitioners. While meditation, rooted in centuries-old Buddhist traditions and widely promoted in modern Thailand as a stress-relieving and wellness-enhancing practice, reports now highlight overlooked adverse effects—including anxiety, depression, dissociation, and even psychotic episodes. As mindfulness gains popularity across Thai schools, corporate offices, and healthcare settings, these revelations carry urgent implications for local practitioners, educators, and policymakers.

A groundbreaking new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology has found that individuals who cheat once are highly likely to cheat again, even years later. This wide-ranging investigation challenges the notion that dishonesty is merely situational, instead suggesting that for many, the tendency to cheat is a persistent personality trait. The findings have significant implications for relationships, education, and workplace ethics in Thailand, a society that values trust and integrity.

A groundbreaking study by Harvard University has found that GPT-4o, OpenAI’s latest large language model, exhibits behaviors akin to human cognitive dissonance—a psychological phenomenon previously thought to be exclusively human. The findings, reported in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on May 28, 2025, raise fresh questions about how advanced AI systems process information and make decisions, carrying significant implications for Thailand’s growing embrace of AI-driven technology in education, health, and society at large (TechXplore).

Recent research published in Quanta Magazine reveals a growing consensus among computational neuroscientists and artificial intelligence (AI) researchers: AI, despite its name and inspiration, is fundamentally unlike the human brain—but that’s not a flaw, it’s an opportunity for new frontiers in both technology and neuroscience. This divergence, explored in the article “AI Is Nothing Like a Brain, and That’s OK” (Quanta Magazine, 2025), is now informing efforts to both make AI more efficient and gain deeper understanding of our own minds.

A new wave of powerful artificial intelligence systems—from leading global tech companies like OpenAI, Google, and DeepSeek—are increasingly generating factual errors despite their advanced capabilities, sparking growing concerns among users, researchers, and businesses worldwide. As these A.I. bots become more capable at tasks like complex reasoning and mathematics, their tendency to produce incorrect or entirely fabricated information—known as “hallucinations”—is not only persisting but actually worsening, as revealed in a recent investigative report by The New York Times (nytimes.com).

The accelerating progress of artificial intelligence has sparked an intense international debate about the future role of human beings in society, with leading thinkers warning that AI could soon outperform people at nearly every task — raising fundamental questions about human relevance in work, culture, and decision-making. As technologies grow more sophisticated and autonomous, experts urge communities, governments, and businesses to grapple with the possibility of a world where AI is “better at everything,” and to consider urgent societal adaptations.

In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT and their rivals are reshaping the workplace, education, and even leisure activities, a notable segment of individuals are actively choosing to resist – or at least question – this digital transformation. As AI becomes an invisible hand guiding everything from web searches to music recommendations, the reluctance to embrace it reflects deeper concerns about human creativity, environmental costs, and the fabric of genuine social connection BBC News.

Why do people so often comply with authority—even when orders contradict their conscience? New neuroscience research is beginning to provide concrete answers to this age-old question, illuminating the brain mechanisms that drive obedience and the social pressures that can make compliance nearly automatic. Drawing upon insights from the recent feature, “Why We Follow Orders: The Neuroscience of Compliance and Control” in Skeptic magazine, this report examines what scientists have uncovered, why these findings matter in everyday Thai life, and what we can do to foster greater ethical autonomy.

In an era of ongoing social, political, and workplace challenges where authority and individual will often collide, understanding why people obey orders is more relevant than ever for Thai society. Recent discussions sparked by “Why We Follow Orders: The Neuroscience of Compliance and Control,” a feature on the Michael Shermer Show, have brought new research to the public eye, shedding light on the brain mechanisms and situational dynamics that drive human compliance. This emerging field offers crucial lessons not only for authorities and educators but also for anyone navigating the fine line between following instructions and maintaining personal agency.