#Regulation

Recent research from the University of California San Diego and University of Wisconsin–Madison reveals critical insights about public expectations for algorithmic decision-making in high-stakes contexts. The study, presented at the 2025 ACM CHI conference, explored how ordinary people react when multiple high-accuracy machine learning models reach different conclusions for identical applications. The findings challenge both current industry practices and academic assumptions about fair automated decision-making, with direct implications for Thailand’s rapidly expanding use of AI systems in financial services, employment, and government programs.

A new study from researchers at the University of California San Diego and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, presented at the 2025 ACM CHI conference, examines how the public wants decisions made when multiple high-accuracy AI models disagree. The findings are especially relevant to Thailand as AI use grows in finance, employment, and government services.

The study centers on multiplicity—the reality that many models can achieve similar accuracy but still produce different predictions for the same case. This raises ethical questions for organizations choosing which model to deploy, particularly for loans, jobs, or social services. Data resonates with Thailand’s push to sharpen AI risk management guidelines in finance, signaling regulators’ attention to fairness in automated decisions.

A new study by computer scientists at the University of California San Diego and the University of Wisconsin–Madison warns that relying on a single “best” machine learning (ML) model for high‑stakes decisions — from loan approvals to hiring — can undermine perceived fairness, and that ordinary people prefer human arbitration when equally good models disagree. The research, presented at the 2025 ACM CHI conference, explored how lay stakeholders react when multiple high‑accuracy models reach different conclusions for the same applicant and found strong resistance to both single‑model arbitrariness and to solutions that simply randomize outcomes; instead participants favored wider model searches, transparency and human decision‑making to resolve disagreements UC San Diego report and the authors’ paper Perceptions of the Fairness Impacts of Multiplicity in Machine Learning (CHI 2025) presents the detailed results and recommendations.

A high-profile kratom incident abroad has intensified global scrutiny of the plant, a topic that resonates in Thailand where kratom is rooted in the landscape and recent regulatory changes. A 37-year-old man in Washington state died after consuming a single tablespoon of kratom powder, a case cited in legal filings as part of a broader trend of harms linked to concentrated kratom products.

For Thai families, the issue touches daily life. Kratom trees grow across southern Thailand, and many communities have used fresh leaves for generations to ease labor and pain. Today, the plant sits at the crossroads of youth safety, evolving laws, and the challenge of balancing tradition with modern science.

The sudden death of a 37-year-old man in the United States after ingesting powdered kratom—a plant long used in Southeast Asia—has triggered renewed international safety warnings and legal scrutiny, with fresh research revealing mounting risks for consumers worldwide, including in Thailand. The case, now at the heart of a wrongful death lawsuit against manufacturers and vendors, highlights a surge in kratom-related poisonings, youth experimentation, and the global push for improved regulation and public awareness.

A stark warning echoes from Mexico that could reshape Thailand’s booming coastal tourism. In the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand, millions seek whale sharks, dolphins, and vibrant reefs. Yet new evidence shows that even well-intentioned protections can fail without strong enforcement, training, and stakeholder engagement. Thailand’s tourism sector, worth more than $60 billion annually, faces a paradox: rapid growth and rising revenue alongside increasing risk to the very marine ecosystems that attract visitors.

Amid a flood of glowing advertisements promising sharper memory, laser focus, and protection against dementia, the latest research finds little to support most claims behind brain-boosting supplements — a market that remains largely unregulated in Thailand and around the world. As these products gain popularity among older adults and health-conscious Thais seeking an edge at work or in school, experts caution: many of the touted “cognitive enhancers” may offer more hype than hope, and some could carry hidden risks.

Thailand’s growing wellness market faces a critical examination as international research reveals that most brain-boosting supplements offer minimal cognitive benefits despite aggressive marketing claims promising enhanced memory, laser focus, and dementia prevention. This comprehensive scientific analysis provides Thai consumers with essential guidance for navigating the largely unregulated supplement industry while making informed decisions about cognitive health investments.

The global brain supplement phenomenon extends far beyond Thailand’s borders, with consumers worldwide encountering persuasive testimonials, “clinically tested” labels, and celebrity endorsements promising cognitive transformation. Products range from common vitamins and traditional herbal remedies like Ginkgo biloba and ginseng to exotic compounds such as lion’s mane mushroom and synthetic substances derived from jellyfish proteins. However, regulatory oversight remains limited across international markets, including Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, which continues issuing warnings about misleading health claims and unregistered ingredients.

A growing wellness market in Thailand is being scrutinized as global research shows many brain-boosting products offer minimal cognitive benefits despite bold marketing. Thai readers are urged to approach memory-enhancing claims with caution and focus on evidence-based health choices.

Across the world, consumers encounter testimonials, “clinically tested” labels, and celebrity endorsements for brain-enhancing products. Offerings range from vitamins and traditional herbs like ginkgo biloba and ginseng to newer compounds such as lion’s mane and jellyfish-derived ingredients. Regulatory attention remains limited in many markets, including Thailand, where authorities warn about misleading health claims and unregistered ingredients.

US health officials have launched a major crackdown on kratom-related products, targeting an opioid-like compound known as 7-hydroxymitragynine—often called “7-OH”—after a surge of complaints from the dietary supplement industry and growing safety concerns among regulators and medical experts. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced its intention to classify 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance, placing it on par with substances like LSD and heroin, and recommending a nationwide ban pending Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) review (WBRZ; Yahoo News; FDA).

A new wave of regulatory action targets 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a potent opioid-like compound found in kratom. U.S. health officials are moving toward classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I substance, paving the way for a nationwide ban after a DEA review. The FDA cites safety concerns and industry reports as justification for tighter controls and stronger public education.

Kratom has grown in popularity worldwide, including in the United States, where it appears in energy drinks, gummies, and various supplements sold in stores and online. The concern centers on concentrated or synthetic products containing 7-OH, which researchers warn can be more potent than morphine. The FDA emphasizes the urgency of regulation to protect consumers and to raise awareness of associated risks.

For those plagued by restless nights and chronic fatigue, the promise of a “wonder pill” that can signal sleep to even the most stubborn minds is an alluring one. Melatonin, the natural hormone known for its role in regulating sleep, is increasingly touted as an answer to modern sleep deprivation. Around the world, especially in countries like the United States, synthetic melatonin is as easy to obtain as a bottle of vitamins, found online and in supermarkets. However, for many Thais, this popular sleep supplement remains beyond reach, entangled in a web of regulation and scientific debate that complicates its role as a solution for the nation’s weary.

Sleep deprivation is a growing concern that affects cognitive function, mood, and overall health. In urban Thailand, long work hours, busy lifestyles, and screen time contribute to poorer sleep for many residents. A 2022 survey by a leading Thai health institute found that nearly 60% of urban residents were dissatisfied with their sleep quality. As awareness grows, some people turn to melatonin, attracted by its reputation as a natural sleep aid.

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools like chatbots and virtual companions gain traction in Thailand and around the world, fresh warnings are emerging about their possible negative consequences for mental health. Recent cases reported internationally reveal an unsettling trend: some individuals are developing intense emotional attachments, obsessive behaviors, or even psychotic episodes after extended interactions with AI tools—raising questions about how prepared society is to deal with this new technological frontier and its psychological risks (The Register).

A new UK law requiring age verification on pornography sites aims to shield minors, but safety experts warn it may push curious teens toward riskier corners of the internet. Critics say stricter checks could drive youth to smaller sites with fewer safeguards, potentially increasing exposure to criminal exploitation and harmful content. As policymakers and parents debate how to protect children while recognizing young people’s online realities, the discussion has gained global relevance, including for Thailand.

A recent health scare involving a woman whose daily use of turmeric supplements nearly led to fatal liver failure is raising alarms about the potential dangers of herbal supplements—a warning for Thai consumers as interest in natural remedies steadily grows. The case, reported by multiple news outlets in July 2025, details how a seemingly healthy 57-year-old woman began experiencing mild abdominal pain, progressing to nausea, dark urine, extreme fatigue, and eventually jaundice—signs of acute liver damage. Doctors later traced her condition to a high-dose turmeric supplement she had begun taking for joint pain, sparking a wider discussion about supplement safety and regulation.

A recent medical case highlights the potential risks of high-dose turmeric capsules used for joint pain. A 57-year-old woman developed acute liver injury after taking a supplement labeled for enhanced absorption with black pepper. She experienced abdominal pain, nausea, dark urine, fatigue, and jaundice, leading to hospitalization. Doctors credit stopping the product and intensive care for preventing a life-threatening outcome.

Turmeric remains a familiar ingredient in Thai cuisine and traditional remedies. Yet the surge in imported and online supplements means many products are far more potent than culinary turmeric. Data from Thai health authorities show a gradual rise in adverse effects linked to dietary supplements, with liver toxicity among the key concerns. This underlines the need for clear warnings and stricter dosage controls across the market.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as US Secretary of Health and Human Services, has ignited international debate by vowing to dramatically expand access to experimental and alternative medical treatments in America. During a recent appearance on the “Ultimate Human” podcast, Kennedy announced his commitment to “end the war at the FDA against alternative medicine,” directly challenging longstanding regulatory practices around therapies ranging from stem cell treatments and chelation therapy to dietary supplements and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (Gizmodo, Yahoo News). While patient autonomy and the desire for broader therapeutic choices resonate with many, Kennedy’s stance has provoked fierce debate among medical professionals, regulators, and public health advocates—both in the US and abroad. For Thailand, where complementary, traditional, and alternative medicine (CAM) is interwoven into the fabric of national healthcare policy and cultural practice, Kennedy’s pronouncements serve as an opportunity for critical reflection about safety, evidence, and the role of regulation in health innovation.

A worldwide debate on alternative medicine has intensified after US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. signaled a major shift toward broader access to experimental and non-traditional therapies. On a recent podcast, Kennedy argued that regulators should “just do the science” and inform patients without unduly restricting physicians or choices, while acknowledging the risk of misinformation. The stance has sparked a wide-ranging discussion among medical experts, regulators, and public health advocates in Thailand, where complementary and traditional therapies are embedded in national health policy and daily practice.

Thailand is poised to tighten cannabis regulations after a surge in cases of foreign tourists attempting to smuggle the drug out of the country. The move follows the 2022 decriminalisation of cannabis, which spurred a local boom in tourism and entrepreneurship but also sparked public concern and international scrutiny.

In 2022, Thailand became Asia’s first country to remove cannabis from its narcotics list. The policy was pitched as an economic driver for farmers and the tourism sector. Dispensaries proliferated and the relaxed stance drew cannabis-curious visitors from around the world. Yet the absence of comprehensive rules left gaps that critics say enabled underage use, addiction risks, and now large-scale smuggling.

Concern is mounting among global health experts as recent research reveals that cancer-causing chemicals—some even found in so-called ‘eco-friendly’ food containers—are leaching into what we eat. These revelations, emerging from multiple studies and echoed by urgent warnings from toxicologists, suggest that Thai consumers, like people worldwide, may be inadvertently exposing themselves and their families to hazardous substances every time they dine on packaged foods.

Interest in safer, more environmentally friendly packaging has soared in Thailand, with a booming market for biodegradable, compostable food containers accompanying a surge in food delivery and street food consumption. However, new findings indicate that many packaging alternatives still contain or leach synthetic chemicals linked to cancer, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenols, and phthalates, which are common components in coatings, plastics, and even so-called ‘green’ food wrappers. A major investigation by the Food Packaging Forum identified 189 potential and confirmed mammary carcinogens detected in food contact materials, including items marketed as eco-friendly, raising questions about the true safety of these alternatives (foodpackagingforum.org).

A widening warning lights up health desks worldwide: cancer-related chemicals are leaching from food packaging into meals, even from products marketed as eco-friendly. Research and expert alerts emphasize that Thai consumers, like others, may be unknowingly exposed to these substances with every bite.

Thailand’s packaging boom mirrors a shift toward greener choices as delivery and street food culture remain vibrant. Yet new findings show that many packaging options—though labeled sustainable—can still contain or release chemicals such as PFAS, bisphenols, and phthalates. These substances are commonly used in coatings and plastics and can migrate into hot, fatty, or oily foods. A major international study highlighted numerous potential and confirmed breast carcinogens in food contact materials, including items marketed as green, prompting questions about real safety in replacement materials. Data from global and regional researchers suggests the risk is not limited to imported goods; Thai market packaging often contains additives that are not rigorously tested by independent labs.

A prominent cardiologist warns that common plasticizers in soft gel capsule shells may contribute to heart problems, including sudden cardiac events. The expert, affiliated with a major U.S. hospital, told a popular newspaper that phthalates can leach into the bloodstream, irritate arteries, and trigger inflammation. This pathway could hinder blood flow and raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. A growing body of research supports concerns about phthalates in medications and their potential heart-related threats.

A leading heart doctor has raised new alarms over a common chemical found in the capsule shells of many daily medications, including pain relievers and vitamins, warning it could contribute to sudden heart attacks. The physician, a cardiologist affiliated with a major New York hospital, told the Daily Mail that phthalates—plasticizers often used to make soft gel capsules flexible—can enter the body, irritate arteries, and trigger inflammation, making it harder for blood to flow and heightening the risk of heart disease and cardiac events. This revelation is backed by a growing body of research suggesting a connection between the widespread use of phthalates in medications and increased cardiovascular threats.