#Healthawareness

Thai consumers face mounting risks from sophisticated international scam networks operating fake online stores that exploit growing demand for weight-loss medications, particularly products claiming to mimic popular diabetes treatments like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Investigative research reveals that more than 140 websites have pivoted from fashion retail facades to targeting vulnerable weight-loss seekers with fraudulent “plant-based oral solutions” that promise pharmaceutical-grade results without medical supervision. These ghost store operations employ stolen professional identities, artificial intelligence-generated testimonials, and elaborate fake endorsements to exploit Thailand’s thriving digital marketplace and cultural emphasis on physical appearance.

Thai consumers are being urged to exercise heightened caution when purchasing weight-loss solutions online, following revelations from Australia about a new wave of “ghost stores” scamming buyers with fake GLP-1 products and predatory advertising—a scam that could easily spread to Thailand’s thriving digital marketplaces. These ghost stores, uncovered by investigative journalists at The Guardian, have been found impersonating real businesses and health experts to sell supposedly plant-based oral supplements that mimic the effects of popular diabetes and weight-loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, posing direct risks to consumer financial safety and, more alarmingly, their health (theguardian.com).

A surge in ghost online stores is targeting Thai weight-loss seekers with counterfeit GLP-1 products that imitate popular medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. Investigations show more than 140 websites shifting from fashion fronts to fraudulent claims of “plant-based oral solutions” that promise pharmaceutical-grade results without medical supervision. These operations rely on stolen professional images, AI-generated testimonials, and fake endorsements to build trust among Thailand’s digital shoppers.

Global shortages and rising prices for genuine GLP-1 medicines have created fertile ground for scammers. Real treatments such as semaglutide and tirzepatide offer meaningful weight-management benefits for people with obesity or metabolic disorders, driving demand that illicit operators exploit through sophisticated deception. The result is a perilous mix of medical misinformation and aggressive online marketing.

A new nationwide survey published in June 2025 has revealed a remarkable reduction in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand—a development hailed by public health leaders as evidence that the country’s decades-long prevention and screening efforts are working. The research, conducted in four regions of Thailand among over 6,000 participants, found that the current rate of hepatitis C infection is just 0.56%, down from 2.15% in 2004 and 0.94% in 2014. This progress comes even as the World Health Organization warns globally that viral hepatitis deaths are rising, with 1.3 million fatalities each year according to its 2024 Global Hepatitis Report (healio.com), making Thailand’s performance uniquely encouraging (nature.com).

A nationwide survey released in mid-2025 shows a sharp decline in hepatitis C prevalence across Thailand, highlighting decades of prevention and screening success. Conducted across four regions with more than 6,000 participants, the study found an overall infection rate of 0.56 percent, down from 2.15 percent in 2004 and 0.94 percent in 2014. Health authorities view Thailand’s progress as a model of effective public health investment and collaboration.

Hepatitis C is often called the “silent” infection because many people have no symptoms until extensive liver damage occurs. Thai health leaders emphasize broad screening, especially for high-risk groups and individuals born before 1992, the year universal HBV vaccination began for newborns. The Ministry of Public Health has adopted a dual “test-and-treat” approach, offering rapid diagnostic testing, molecular confirmation, and access to direct-acting antivirals that cure up to 95 percent of cases.

A viral trend called “I Grieve Different” has surged across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, prompting Thai families to consider how social media shapes teen mental health. Experts say the trend can provide a space for young people to express grief, but it also risks normalizing unhealthy behaviors if not approached with care.

The movement traces its origins to Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 track United in Grief, yet it now spans much more than music. Across Thailand and beyond, youths post stylized videos about personal loss, body image pressures, anxiety, and relationships with food or exercise. The core message is that grief is a personal experience, sometimes misunderstood by others. Mental health concerns are rising globally, including in Thailand, where adolescents report increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health shows growing mental health challenges among young people, underscoring the need for informed discussion and support.

A surge in high-protein diets, popular among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious Thais, may be unwittingly putting kidneys at risk, according to new research highlighted in a recent article by the Times of India. As protein’s reputation grows as a dietary superstar—promoting muscle gain and aiding weight management—experts warn that simple mistakes in how and what kind of protein is consumed may quietly fuel the rising tide of chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among those already at risk.

A growing interest in high-protein diets among fitness enthusiasts in Thailand may unintentionally burden the kidneys. New, accessible guidance suggests that both the amount and source of protein influence chronic kidney disease risk, especially for those with existing risk factors.

Kidney health matters because these organs filter waste from protein metabolism. In Thailand, CKD remains a public health concern with regional differences, and many people are unaware of their kidney status. Hypertension and diabetes—common in the country—compound long-term risk. Routine screening and early detection are crucial, since kidney damage can develop with few or no symptoms.

A viral social media trend known as “I Grieve Different” is captivating young audiences across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, raising both alarm and hope among mental health professionals and educators. While the trend offers young people a space to explore their feelings of loss and struggle, it has also sparked fresh concern among experts about whether social media is fueling unhealthy behaviors and distorting the realities of mental health—especially among teens. For Thai families navigating the digital era, understanding the impact of such trends has never been more important.

In a cautionary tale that has captured international attention, a 57-year-old woman from New Jersey was recently hospitalized just “one step” from liver failure after taking high-dose turmeric supplements she’d learned about on social media. Her story, reported by several outlets including the Daily Mail and NBC News, underscores a growing health risk as dietary supplements become increasingly popular worldwide—including in Thailand—without adequate regulation and public understanding of potential side effects. The case has left medical experts urging consumers to approach herbal remedies with caution and spurred new research into the potential dangers associated with even “natural” supplements.

A hospital case in the United States involving a 57-year-old woman underscores a cautionary tale for turmeric use. She nearly faced liver failure after taking high-dose turmeric capsules she found on social media. Medical teams recovered her liver function with treatment, but this incident highlights that “natural” products can carry real risks when taken without medical guidance.

Turmeric, known in Thai as khamin chan, has long been a staple in both cuisine and traditional healing across Asia. The woman began consuming turmeric capsules to ease joint pain after seeing health tips online. Each capsule contained about 2,250 mg of curcumin, well above the daily amounts suggested for her body weight by global health guidelines. She later reported stomach pains, fatigue, and dark urine, which led doctors to check her liver. Enzyme levels were markedly elevated, yet she avoided a transplant with prompt care.

A new international analysis suggests that tens of thousands of non-fatal heart attacks and strokes could be prevented each year if more people eligible for cholesterol-lowering therapy followed guidelines. The study underscores gaps between ideal care and real-world practice, a concern echoed in Thailand where heart disease remains a leading cause of death.

Thailand faces a mounting burden of cardiovascular disease alongside global trends. While some advanced nations have seen declines in heart-attack deaths due to medical progress, risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obesity are common in Bangkok and across the country. Data from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and international health partners show non-communicable diseases, including heart disease and stroke, account for a large share of fatalities. As the population ages and lifestyles become more sedentary, preventive measures are increasingly vital.

A new study has revealed that nearly 100,000 non-fatal heart attacks and tens of thousands of strokes could be prevented every year in the United States if more eligible patients took statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications as recommended. The research, conducted by a team at Johns Hopkins University and published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, highlights persistent gaps in adherence to clinical guidelines despite decades of evidence underscoring statins’ life-saving potential. As cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death globally—including in Thailand—the findings resonate far beyond the U.S., carrying crucial implications for Thai patients, healthcare providers, and public health authorities.

Digestive health issues are on the rise across the globe, with a significant uptick reported in the United States and growing concerns mirrored in Thailand. Recent research compiled by Live It Up and summarized by AOL reveals that up to 66% of Americans now live with gut problems—a trend echoed by healthcare analysts and nutrition experts observing similar patterns in Asia. As physicians and public health leaders warn, the escalating prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even colorectal cancer has broad implications, not just for individual well-being but for economic productivity and the healthcare system at large.

Digestive health is rising as a global concern, and Thailand is seeing a similar upward trend in gastrointestinal issues. Recent research suggests a large portion of adults worldwide experience gut-related symptoms, with experts warning that conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and even colorectal cancer carry wide implications for individuals, workplaces, and healthcare systems.

For Thai readers, the message is clear: urban lifestyles and changing diets are reshaping public health. As Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other cities modernize, many people still ignore persistent gut symptoms, risking delayed diagnosis and treatment. Medical professionals note that gut health can influence conditions beyond the stomach, including diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even neurodegenerative diseases. This underscores the importance of early evaluation.

A US-based social media influencer living with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has sparked international dialogue by candidly discussing his struggles with intimacy and sexual relationships, challenging common perceptions about one of psychology’s most misunderstood diagnoses. This development offers new insights relevant to Thai readers interested in mental health, psychological well-being, and evolving understandings of personality disorders.

Narcissistic personality disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and significant empathy deficits. For decades, public discourse around NPD in Thailand and globally has often been shaped by negative stereotypes, painting those affected as manipulative or uncaring. However, the recent online disclosures by a diagnosed individual—known as The Nameless Narcissist on digital platforms, with over 300,000 followers—provide a more nuanced, firsthand account of the lived experience of NPD (LADBIBLE).

A US-based social media influencer living with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) has sparked international discussion by openly describing his struggles with intimacy and sexual relationships. His disclosures challenge common stereotypes about one of psychology’s most misunderstood diagnoses, offering nuanced perspectives that resonate with Thai readers interested in mental health, well-being, and contemporary understandings of personality disorders.

NPD is a complex mental health condition marked by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and notable empathy deficits. For years, public discourse in Thailand and around the world has often framed those with NPD in harsh, simplistic terms. The influencer’s open reflections, shared under a digital persona with hundreds of thousands of followers, provide a more layered view of the lived experience of NPD. The discussion invites families, educators, and clinicians in Thailand to rethink stereotypes and consider how such conditions affect daily life.

A new international review, released May 31, 2025, synthesizes cardiology perspectives to highlight eight clear signs that should prompt a visit to a heart specialist. The findings are particularly relevant for Thailand, where cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death and disability. Data from Thailand’s public health system show heart disease continues to impose a heavy burden, underscoring the need for earlier detection and prevention. Research from leading institutions and local guidelines emphasize that cardiovascular risk is not limited to older adults; awareness must span all ages in Thai communities.

Emerging research and expert consensus warn that many early signs of heart problems go undetected until serious health consequences arise, urging Thai readers to take seemingly mild symptoms more seriously. A new review featuring leading cardiologists, published on May 31, 2025, details the top eight signs that should prompt a visit to a heart specialist and contextualizes the relevance for Thai society, where cardiovascular disease remains one of the primary causes of death and disability (EatingWell, Statista, WHO, RCPT Guidelines).

A new wave of research and online discussion is shedding light on the hidden dangers lurking in many everyday habits that are often dismissed as harmless. Sparked by viral social media conversations and supported by the latest safety studies, experts are urging the public—particularly Thai readers who may share similar routines—to reexamine common behaviors ranging from device charging overnight to the way we cross busy streets.

In an increasingly fast-paced society, many Thais find comfort in the predictability of daily routines. Whether it’s multitasking while walking, using smartphones in bed, or handling electrical appliances with wet hands, these actions form part of the fabric of modern life. But recent investigations, combining public health research and anecdotal warnings, reveal that these familiar habits could be exacting a higher toll on health and safety than most people realize. As one academic from a prominent Thai university’s Department of Public Health explains, “People often underestimate the accumulation of small risks, but collectively, they contribute to a rise in preventable accidents and chronic health problems.”

Everyday routines are under a new spotlight as recent studies and online conversations reveal how small, overlooked behaviors can raise health and safety risks. Thai readers, in particular, may recognize habits from daily life that deserve a closer look—from charging devices overnight to crossing busy streets.

In a society that prizes efficiency, many people in Thailand rely on quick, multitasking habits. Walking while looking at a phone, using devices in bed, or handling electrical items with wet hands are common. New investigations, alongside public health data and anecdotal notes, suggest these actions accumulate risk over time and contribute to preventable injuries and health issues. A senior public health expert from a Thai university notes that “small risks add up; when viewed together, they drive avoidable accidents and chronic conditions.”

A recent study in Psychological Medicine shows major depressive disorder is linked to faster brain aging. The research, conducted with a Japanese cohort, indicates that depression-related brain changes are not limited to Western populations. This underscores global relevance and has implications for Thai communities.

For Thai readers, the findings arrive as depression rates rise across Southeast Asia and mental-health care remains a public-health priority. The study reinforces the idea that depression affects more than mood; it is tied to measurable changes in brain structure. Researchers found that brains of people with major depressive disorder appeared significantly older than those of healthy peers, suggesting that depression may accelerate neural aging. This highlights the need for improved mental-health screening, support, and treatment in Thai communities where stigma has historically limited care access.

Recent research is challenging the long-held stereotypes of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), showing that the condition goes far beyond the familiar images of repetitive hand-washing or checking light switches. A recent feature in The New York Times presented the latest scientific understanding of the disorder, highlighting that many people with OCD actually experience a broad spectrum of symptoms—often unrecognized, even by those affected—ranging from persistent doubts about relationships to distressing intrusive thoughts and moral fixations (nytimes.com).

Recent research challenges the stereotype of obsessive-compulsive disorder as simply about hand-washing or neatness. A feature in The New York Times explains that OCD spans a wide range of symptoms many people may not recognize, including doubts about relationships, intrusive thoughts, and moral concerns. In Thailand, where public discussions of mental health are still evolving, understanding these lesser-known manifestations can reduce stigma and encourage timely care.

OCD is characterized by obsessions—unwanted thoughts, images, or urges—and compulsions, repetitive actions done to ease distress. While classic examples remain common, clinicians are noting variants such as relationship OCD, sexual-orientation concerns, and emotional contamination OCD. These aren’t separate diagnoses, but different expressions of the same condition that can disrupt daily life.