#Health

Imagine entering a Thai street market and seeing a beautifully woven silk scarf with a price tag of 2,000 baht. Even if you believe the actual value is lower, that first price sets a reference point. When the vendor offers you a “special price” of 1,200 baht, it feels like a bargain—regardless of the true worth of the scarf. This common negotiation scenario is a classic example of the “anchoring effect,” a psychological phenomenon that subtly but powerfully sways our decisions, often without us noticing.

Across the globe and increasingly in Thailand, a rising number of individuals—especially women—are choosing to become single parents by choice, signaling a paradigm shift in both family structures and societal attitudes. While single parenthood once commonly stemmed from unplanned circumstances, new research shows that a growing share of single parents are consciously opting for this path, empowered by advancing reproductive technologies and changing social norms. As Thai society experiences its own demographic and cultural transitions, understanding this phenomenon is crucial for policymakers, educators, and families.

A well-documented cognitive bias, the Dunning-Kruger Effect, shows that people with limited knowledge in a area often overestimate their competence, while true experts may underestimate their mastery. First described in 1999 by researchers at a major U.S. university, this phenomenon now informs discussions in psychology, education, workplaces, and everyday life in Thailand. It helps explain why some individuals appear overly confident about topics they barely understand, while experts may downplay their expertise.

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 growing number of people are choosing to become solo parents, and the trend is increasingly visible in Thailand. More women are opting for parenthood through assisted reproduction and independent planning, driven by advances in reproductive tech, financial independence, and evolving social norms. As Thai society undergoes demographic and cultural shifts, understanding solo parenthood by choice is essential for policymakers, educators, and families.

Single parents by choice are individuals who deliberately decide to have and raise children on their own. The rise reflects broader access to fertility treatments, increased economic security for women, and shifting gender roles. Data from mature economies shows significant growth: in the United Kingdom, about 3.2 million families were headed by a single parent in 2023, most often led by women. In the United States, the share of children living with a single parent has risen substantially since the 1960s. While Thailand-specific numbers are limited, fertility clinics and professional networks report a noticeable uptick among urban professionals and women in their 30s and 40s.

A recent study, highlighted in a feature by Men’s Journal, has found that distance runners can substantially extend their time to exhaustion—by as much as 32 percent—by implementing a specific post-workout recovery technique. This discovery, though focused on runners, carries significant implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts across Thailand, where running continues to gain popularity as both a competitive sport and a healthy lifestyle pursuit.

In Thailand, where urban marathons and charity runs have become a staple in cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai, optimizing performance and recovery is a common goal among athletes and recreational runners alike. The new study, referenced in Men’s Journal’s report, provides compelling evidence supporting a post-exercise recovery “hack” that may help runners outpace their previous limits and enhance overall stamina.

A recent study highlighted by Men’s Journal suggests distance runners can extend their time to exhaustion by up to 32 percent with a specific post-workout recovery technique. While the finding centers on runners, it carries meaningful implications for athletes and fitness enthusiasts across Thailand, where long-distance running is rising in popularity as both sport and lifestyle.

In Thailand, urban marathons and charity runs are popular in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and beyond. Optimizing performance and recovery is a common goal for both competitive runners and casual joggers. The Men’s Journal piece references research showing a scientifically backed recovery practice immediately after exercise that may help runners push past prior limits and improve stamina.

A practical question for beginners: is longer walking or shorter, slower jogging the smarter path to weight loss? Experts say both have benefits, but the best choice depends on health, goals, and the ability to stick with a routine. In Thailand, climate, culture, and urban design shape how people approach daily exercise, making an accessible option essential for sustained health improvement.

Movement remains a key tool against rising non-communicable diseases in Thailand, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The World Health Organization advises adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly or 75 minutes of vigorous activity. For many Thais, gyms aren’t always accessible, so walking or jogging present practical, low-cost ways to stay active.

A groundbreaking new study has shown that dedicating just one hour per week to uncomplicated weight training can significantly enhance muscle mass and strength—even for those with prior resistance training experience. This latest research, published in April 2025 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise and featured by The Washington Post, provides encouraging news for busy individuals in Thailand and around the world who feel they simply do not have time for lengthy gym sessions (Washington Post).

Running with a jogging stroller is a common sight in Thailand’s parks and city streets, as active parents find creative ways to merge fitness with family time. However, new research from biomechanics experts at Penn State Berks and Alvernia University, recently detailed in The Washington Post (Washington Post), is prompting a closer look at how this practice affects the body of the person doing the pushing.

The implication is significant for Thai parents who enjoy running as a means to stay healthy while caring for young children. While stroller manufacturers and regulations tend to emphasize child safety, the physical consequences for adult runners have received much less attention—but that’s beginning to change. Overuse injuries, such as shin splints, stress fractures, and knee pain, are already concerns for runners. Introducing a jogging stroller, which presents additional weight and requires a new arm position, may change body mechanics in subtle but impactful ways. For Thailand’s running community, which includes countless parents and caretakers embracing stroller-running in Lumpini Park, Chatuchak Park, and university campuses, understanding these risks is vital.

Running with a jogging stroller has become a common sight in Thai parks and city streets as active parents blend fitness with family care. New research from biomechanics experts at Penn State Berks and Alvernia University, highlighted internationally, examines how pushing a stroller affects the adult runner’s body and injury risk. This matters for Thailand’s growing community of stroller runners who frequent Lumpini Park, Chatuchak Park, and university campuses.

In Thailand, safety gear for children often headlines discussions around stroller use. Yet the physical impact on the adult runner warrants equal attention. Overuse injuries such as shin splints, knee pain, and stress fractures are familiar to many runners. A jogging stroller adds weight and shortens the runner’s natural arm swing, potentially altering gait in ways that could elevate injury risk. Understanding these biomechanical changes is essential for Thai parents and caregivers pursuing fitness alongside childcare goals.

A new study shows that dedicating two 30-minute weight-training sessions per week can meaningfully increase muscle size and strength, even for adults with prior resistance training experience. Published in April 2025 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the research challenges the notion that lengthy gym sessions are required for real gains. The findings offer practical guidance for busy people in Thailand and beyond who struggle to fit exercise into hectic schedules.

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.

A new study from Japan reveals that sleep does more than preserve past memories. It also primes the brain for new learning, helping it adapt to future challenges. The research, published in Nature Communications, offers insights with clear relevance for education, memory health, and aging in Thailand.

In Thailand, as in many cultures, sleep has long been linked to both physical health and study success. From memorizing Buddhist scriptures to late-night exam cramming, sleep has always been part of learning. The study from researchers led by a professor at the University of Toyama provides concrete science behind these ideas and suggests pathways to support memory health in an aging society.

A growing number of fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and beyond are learning that pushing to exhaustion isn’t the path to lasting results. Leading personal trainers warn that overtraining can backfire, increasing injury risk and burnout. They urge a smarter approach—one that challenges the body without tipping into harm—and offer signs to watch and steps to follow for sustainable progress.

The guidance comes at a moment when Bangkok and other Thai cities are embracing vigorous fitness cultures. Many people juggle demanding jobs, long commutes, and family responsibilities, squeezing training into tight windows. The temptation to push through fatigue or ignore nagging pains is common in urban gyms where high-intensity classes and bootcamp-style routines are popular. Yet experts caution that such patterns may undermine long-term health and performance.

For many fitness enthusiasts in Thailand and around the world, the drive to push harder in the gym is often seen as a sign of commitment. But new advice from leading personal trainers warns that working out to total exhaustion can actually do more harm than good, with experts highlighting clear warning signs – and encouraging approaches – to ensure exercise brings results without risking injury or burnout. As busy lifestyles and social media fitness trends pressure more Thais to seek “maximum intensity,” understanding where to draw the line is critical for long-term health.

A new wave of parenting discussion has swept through Thailand, mirroring a global debate on the benefits and challenges of co-sleeping with children beyond infancy. Prompted by recent commentary such as “I still co-sleep with my seven-year-old daughter” from The Times, Thai parents and experts are reflecting on both cultural traditions and modern research to navigate what is best for their families.

For generations, co-sleeping—where parents and children share the same bed or bedroom—has been deeply rooted in Thai culture as a way to foster closeness, emotional security, and familial bonds. Many Thai families consider it a practical solution, especially in multi-generational households with limited space, and a way to ensure a child’s safety and comfort during the night. However, as Western parenting philosophies gain influence and research on child development evolves, more Thai parents are questioning when—and if—children should transition to sleeping alone.

A new wave of discussion is sweeping Thailand about co-sleeping with children beyond infancy. Prompted by recent commentary and global reporting, Thai parents and experts are weighing traditional practices against evolving research to decide what works best for their families.

For generations, co-sleeping—sharing a bed or bedroom with a child—has been deeply rooted in Thai culture as a way to strengthen closeness, emotional security, and family bonds. In multi-generational households with limited space, many families find it practical and comforting. Yet as Western parenting ideas influence conversations and child-development research expands, more Thai parents are considering when, or if, children should sleep independently.

The debate around the most effective exercise for weight loss—walking for a longer duration or jogging for a shorter time—is especially relevant for people beginning their fitness journey. Recent research and expert opinions highlight unique advantages for both activities, but choosing “the best” depends on individual health status, goals, and the ability to maintain an exercise habit over time. For Thailand, where exercise habits are intertwined with climatic, societal, and even urban design considerations, understanding these differences is key for effective weight management and health promotion.

In a climate where the popularity of electrolyte powders has surged beyond the athletic field and into everyday life, a growing body of expert analysis is cautioning consumers against excessive use of these supplements. Recent insights from a sports dietitian and medical contributors published by NBC’s TODAY underscore that, for most people, regular water and a balanced diet are sufficient for hydration—and taking too many electrolytes may actually pose health risks (today.com).

Feeling the burn during a workout can be satisfying, but new expert advice warns Thai fitness enthusiasts that pushing to total exhaustion may actually hinder health and progress. According to the latest insights from a renowned personal trainer featured in Business Insider, learning the difference between healthy challenge and harmful overexertion is key to making lasting fitness gains without risking injury or burnout. This research is especially timely as Thailand’s growing fitness culture sees more residents hitting gyms, cycling paths, and Muay Thai studios in search of better health and improved physical appearance.

A wave of new studies reopens the debate over brown versus white rice, a topic resonating with health-conscious Thais who rely on rice daily. Research summarized for Thai audiences indicates brown rice may offer metabolic benefits, while traditional white rice remains deeply embedded in local meals. The findings suggest daily rice choices could influence aging and chronic disease risk.

Rice anchors Thai cuisine, from street food to ceremonial feasts. Jasmine white rice remains the most popular choice for its aroma and texture, yet health advocates have long touted brown rice for its higher fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Data from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shows that milling removes bran and germ from white rice, stripping away nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and antioxidants. This nutritional gap may influence long-term health outcomes for consumers.

A new wave of scientific research has reinvigorated the debate over brown versus white rice, sparking interest among health enthusiasts and nutrition experts in Thailand, where rice is deeply woven into daily life. Recent findings reported by The Washington Post explore the distinct health profiles of brown and white rice, a topic of high relevance for Thai consumers who rely on rice as a dietary staple. The research not only highlights the nutritional advantages of brown rice but also examines how daily rice choices may influence aging and chronic disease risk.

As Thais and global workout enthusiasts move from air-conditioned gyms to outdoor spaces, fresh research underscores a simple, powerful habit: never skip your warmup. With the rainy season’s variability and a growing appetite for outdoor activity, adjusting exercise routines for new environments has become a public health priority in Thailand, where jogging, cycling, and group sports are rising in popularity as mornings cool and skies clear.

Cooler mornings bring motivation—and new risks. Experts say the body needs time to adapt to outdoor conditions. A comprehensive warmup not only lowers injury risk but also prepares the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems for intense activity. Dynamic, neuromuscular warmups go beyond stretching; they prime nerves and muscles through coordinated movements that mirror actual activities, such as balance work, agility drills, lunges, squats, and single‑leg training. These routines help athletes handle the demands of real-world outdoor exercise and reduce strains and sprains.