#RFKJr

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 wave of outrage has erupted across the autism community in response to recent statements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who claimed that “autism destroys families” and characterized the condition as a societal burden. Parents and advocates have taken to the airwaves and social media to reject Kennedy’s portrayal of autism, demanding a shift in narrative toward acceptance and inclusion rather than stigma and despair. As families in Thailand and around the world contend with increasing autism diagnoses, this controversy highlights the ongoing struggle over how society perceives and supports individuals on the autism spectrum.

Recent headlines have focused public attention on Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now serving as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, after he made sweeping statements about measles, autism, vaccines, and the impact of diet on health—claims that have sparked controversy internationally and resonate even among Thai readers navigating similar public health debates. As widespread measles outbreaks and concerns over rising autism rates draw renewed focus on medical facts and myths, a thorough examination of the latest research provides crucial context for Thai families, educators, and policymakers.