#Publicopinion

A sweeping Afrobarometer survey capturing tens of thousands of African citizens across dozens of countries finds that China’s reputation as a development partner remains high, even as concerns over debt and the quality of Chinese goods persist. For Thai readers and policymakers watching any shift in global influence, the findings map a complex picture: widespread appreciation for infrastructure and investment, tempered by worries about repayment and the long-term sustainability of debt-financed projects. In Thailand’s own context—where development cooperation, regional engagement, and careful budgeting are daily realities—the African case offers both lessons and cautions about how partnerships with external powers unfold on the ground.

A July 2025 study investigates a subtle social dynamic: why people often refrain from publicly excusing others’ moral slip-ups, even when harm seems minimal. The research, summarized by health and science outlets, examines how public judgment shapes social trust, community norms, and everyday interactions.

For Thai readers, the findings fit a culture that values social harmony and respectful conduct. Concepts like face-saving and conflict avoidance influence responses to cheating, lying, or petty theft. The study encourages reflection on the pressures witnesses feel when choosing whether to excuse or condemn behavior in public.

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.

Public resistance to generative AI is intensifying as concerns about job displacement and social harms rise. Global demonstrations and consumer sentiment point to a broader worry that AI’s rapid expansion may harm people more than it helps. In recent weeks, backlash against Duolingo’s AI-first shift and protests over data center pollution have highlighted a broader debate around the social and ethical costs of automation, with Thai audiences watching closely to see how these dynamics unfold.

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).

A new Gallup poll finds that more Americans now believe religion is gaining influence in their society, marking a notable shift in public perception after years of secular trends. According to the June 2025 report, 34% of U.S. adults say that religion is increasing its influence in national life, up sharply from just 20% the previous year. Conversely, while a majority—59%—still think religion is losing ground, that proportion has fallen dramatically from 75% in 2024 (Gallup).

A new Gallup poll shows Americans increasingly perceive religion as influencing national life more than a year ago. The June 2025 report indicates 34% of U.S. adults say religion is gaining influence, up from 20% in 2024. Meanwhile, 59% believe religion is losing ground, down from 75% in 2024.

For Thai readers, this snapshot of American attitudes offers insight into global conversations about education, civil society, and policy. In Thailand, Buddhism remains central to national identity, while the constitution maintains a separation between religion and state. These contrasts highlight how society negotiates religiosity and public life in different cultural contexts.