#Globalsouth

A new comprehensive study published in The Lancet has sounded a worldwide alarm: after five decades of progress, childhood vaccination coverage is stagnating or even retreating, leaving millions of children increasingly vulnerable to deadly yet preventable diseases. The analysis, released this week and drawing on 50 years of country-level data, warns that the number of “zero-dose” children—those missing even the most basic vaccines—remains distressingly high, with global immunisation efforts hampered by growing inequalities, the lasting shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic, and an upsurge in vaccine hesitancy and misinformation (Washington Post; The Lancet).

A new wave of scholarship reveals Christianity expanding rapidly across Asia, including in places where it was once marginal. Global estimates place Asia’s Christian population at more than 415 million, with projections showing the trend strengthening as demographic and cultural dynamics unfold. The message from researchers aligns with major outlets, while local Thai perspectives emphasize how regional shifts touch national life.

For Thai readers, the message may seem distant, but it matters. Buddhism remains the dominant faith, yet Christianity’s steady growth in neighboring countries—South Korea, the Philippines, and parts of China—signals broader currents that could influence civic life, education, and social partnerships in Thailand.

In a remarkable shift documented by recent scholarship and global estimates, Christianity is swiftly gaining ground in Asia, including in countries where it was historically a marginal faith. New research finds that Asia now hosts over 415 million Christians, and the region’s influence on the global religion is expected to deepen as unprecedented demographic and cultural trends reshape the landscape of faith. These findings, as outlined in leading media like The Economist and substantiated by research organizations, carry significant implications for Thai society and its place within broader regional currents.

Christianity is undergoing a significant shift, with Asia taking a central role in shaping the religion’s future. New research and regional insights from scholars and faith leaders show not only a growing Christian population in Asia, but also stronger indigenous leadership and fresh theological expressions from cities like Seoul, Manila, and Ho Chi Minh City. This regional vitality is fueling a broader global conversation about mission, social engagement, and faith under pressure.

Christianity, long considered the spiritual anchor of the West, is now undergoing a historic transformation with Asia increasingly taking center stage, according to the latest research and regional insights from scholars and faith leaders. Recent publications and conferences highlight that not only is the Christian population in Asia growing at a robust pace, but the region’s believers are also becoming influential agents in reshaping global Christianity, sending new missionaries westward and offering unique responses to social change and political pressure. The findings mark a pivotal moment for a religion that, for centuries, was driven by Western missionary expansion, but is now witnessing energetic growth, indigenous leadership, and new theological expressions from Seoul, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City, and beyond.