#ThaiContext

A surge in global tourism to Antarctica, the earth’s last great wilderness, has alarmed environmental researchers as nearly 125,000 travelers set foot or sailed its icy waters in the 2023–24 season—a leap from less than 8,000 annual visitors thirty years ago. New research warns that unless robust protective measures are enforced, Antarctica’s unique and fragile ecosystems risk irreversible damage from this increasing human presence (The Conversation).

This sharp rise in Antarctic tourism matters to Thai readers not only for environmental reasons but also because it mirrors the worldwide boom in “extreme” travel and eco-tourism, trends growing among Thai travelers seeking once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As Thai travel agencies begin advertising Antarctic cruises and expeditions, understanding the environmental price of such adventures has never been more important.

Japan has secured the top spot for the highest living standards in Asia based on the most recent international rankings, surpassing other regional powerhouses such as Singapore and South Korea, according to a 2024 report by U.S. News & World Report. The findings, which have garnered attention across Southeast Asia—including in Thailand—draw on an extensive range of metrics to measure quality of life, offering a timely snapshot of regional well-being at a moment of rapid economic and social change (VnExpress).