#Globalization

A new analysis by a leading research library examines how law, culture, and personal identity intersect in Thailand’s naming system. The study shows how surnames, given names, and nicknames shape daily life, legal processes, and international interactions for Thais navigating registration, transliteration, and name changes.

Historically, Thai naming practices reflect social, religious, and bureaucratic structures. Surnames became widespread after the Surname Act of 1913 as part of state modernization. Since then, every family is expected to register a unique surname, creating a government-regulated identifier that touches government databases, education, and everyday introductions.

The animation industry may be on the verge of a historic turning point as artificial intelligence (AI) technology slashes the cost of creating cartoons by up to 90%, according to a compelling new report from The New York Times published on 21 May 2025. Driven by rapid advances in generative AI, studios are already seeing drastic reductions in time and workforce needed to create high-quality animation, with profound implications for filmmakers, artists, and global media companies—including potential paradigm shifts in Thailand’s burgeoning animation and content creation sectors.

A breakthrough in artificial intelligence is transforming how cartoons are made, slashing production costs and speeding up workflows. A recent NYT report highlights that AI could cut the time and manpower needed for animation by as much as 90%, signaling a potential shift in global studios and, importantly, in Thailand’s growing animation and content sectors. This shift arrives as Thai producers seek cost-effective ways to reach regional audiences through streaming platforms and collaborations.

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.

A fresh wave of scholarship challenges the idea that English relentlessly erodes linguistic diversity. While English remains dominant, researchers say its influence is more nuanced than a simple battle of loss and supremacy. For Thai readers, educators, and policymakers, this evolving understanding offers a more balanced view of how English fits into multilingual societies and what it means for Thailand’s education and culture.

English rose to its global prominence in the globalization era, becoming a common lingua franca. Critics once labeled it a “killer language” that would drive smaller tongues to extinction. But leading linguists argue the term misleads. English has expanded as a practical tool for international communication, while many indigenous languages continue to thrive in daily life outside Europe. In other words, bilingualism and multilingualism persist, and the “killer language” label reflects a Eurocentric perspective rather than global linguistic realities.

Thai families are increasingly seeking names that convey warmth, optimism, and positive energy. A recent feature highlighting baby girl names meaning “sunshine” has sparked interest among Thai parents who want futures filled with brightness and hope for their daughters.

Names tied to sunshine carry rich symbolism across cultures. The sun is widely associated with life, vitality, and prosperity—qualities many Thai families hope to gift their children. In Thailand, where names are often chosen for auspicious meanings, a sunshine-linked name fits naturally with local traditions that emphasize virtue, prosperity, and beauty. The concept of light and radiance aligns well with Thai beliefs about auspicious beginnings.

Thai parents are increasingly seeking inspiration from global trends when it comes to naming their children, with a growing number looking for names that embody positive energy and optimism. A recent feature by The Times of India has highlighted a delightful trend: baby girl names that mean “sunshine,” sparking interest among parents worldwide, including in Thailand, who are searching for names symbolizing warmth, happiness, and hope for their daughters’ futures (Times of India).