#ThaiCulture

Scientists in the United States have uncovered compelling evidence that simple lifestyle changes—particularly building muscle and improving diet—could provide an effective, natural cure for erectile dysfunction (ED), potentially sparing millions of men from the costs and side effects of medication such as Viagra. The findings, from a team at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, highlight a close link between muscle health and sexual function, heralding fresh hope for those struggling with one of the world’s most common and distressing male health issues.

A troubling trend is emerging in Thailand’s digital dating world: ghostlighting. By combining ghosting with gaslighting, this behavior erodes trust and self-worth. Researchers and clinicians urge recognition of the pattern to protect emotional well-being in Thailand’s increasingly online dating culture.

Ghostlighting starts with a partner vanishing from all contact. After a period of silence, they reappear as if nothing happened, or they blame the other person for the breakdown. This manipulation leaves victims doubting their memories and feelings, intensifying hurt beyond ordinary ghosting.

For many Thais, music is intertwined with life’s milestones—from temple fairs to school graduations, from heartbreak to celebration. But what happens when a cherished tune becomes a trigger for emotional pain? Recent research highlighted in The Guardian reveals that, while certain songs can evoke distressing memories, it may be possible to “rehabilitate” these painful musical associations through deliberate, positive experiences—a finding with significant implications for mental health and well-being in Thailand and beyond (The Guardian).

A new wave of research from the United States suggests that simple lifestyle changes—especially building muscle and improving diet—could help manage erectile dysfunction (ED) without relying on medications. A team from a leading medical center highlights a strong link between muscle health and sexual function, offering renewed hope for men dealing with this common health concern.

ED is defined as the persistent difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. In the United States, up to 18 million men are affected, and Thailand experiences similar prevalence, particularly among men over 40. While pills such as PDE5 inhibitors remain common, they come with costs and potential side effects like headaches, nausea, and indigestion. Social stigma around discussing sexual health can deter treatment in both Thailand and Western countries.

A growing wave of female weightlifters in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s is upending stereotypes about aging, inspiring a global movement that places strength, independence, and resilience at the heart of older adulthood. With prominent figures sharing their journeys and research highlighting physical and mental benefits, this trend holds relevance for Thailand’s rapidly aging society and its evolving views on active longevity.

Internationally, older women who actively engage in weightlifting are challenging entrenched narratives about what it means to age. Social media has propelled stories such as that of a 79-year-old Canadian influencer, whose intense workouts and direct confrontations with ageism have earned her more than two million followers and magazine covers. She is not alone: women like the so-called “world’s oldest living female competitive bodybuilder,” aged 89, and others in their 80s and 90s, are openly documenting their weightlifting feats—deadlifting more than 100 kilograms, breaking world records, and coaching new generations. These women report feeling decades younger, relishing in the “joy and the way that you felt” upon gaining new strength, and often say they are capable of far more than society expects of them (The Guardian).

A renowned psychologist, James B. Maas, who popularized the power nap idea, passed away on June 23, 2025, at 86. His work reframed daytime tiredness and influenced workplace reform, reshaping how society values sleep. Ongoing science builds on his foundation, clarifying why brief naps boost cognition and how to fit them into modern lives, including in Thailand where work and study pressures are high.

Maas spent decades at Cornell University, where his energetic lectures sparked curiosity about sleep. He helped popularize the term power nap through his books and advocacy, making short rest a routine element of wellness programs in schools and workplaces. Though he did not coin the phrase, his research gave the concept scientific credibility and practical use in daily life. He emphasized that sleep, when properly timed, can restore and energize both body and brain.

Thai family travel is booming, and parents increasingly turn to social media for quick ideas to keep children calm on the road. The Times recently examined the most-watched Instagram “travel hacks” for kids, separating useful tips from fads. The result underscores a blended approach in Thailand, where traditional parenting wisdom meets global online ideas to ease journeys with young children.

A search for travel hacks for kids on Instagram yields thousands of ideas, from DIY airplane activity boxes to snack organizers and seat-pocket organizers made from shoe organizers. These hacks promise smoother trips and happier children, with fewer tantrums. The Times tested several hacks on real family trips, ranking them by usefulness and ease. Simple ideas like a small surprise toy or labeled snack bags proved helpful, while bulky activity boards or heavy gadget attachments added stress.

A growing number of women in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are changing how society views aging. Their stories prove that strength, independence, and resilience can flourish at any life stage. In Thailand, these narratives align with shifting attitudes toward active longevity and health.

Across the globe, senior women who lift weights challenge stereotypes about aging. Influencers aged in the late 70s and beyond showcase workouts that defy expectations, while reports of some women competing in bodybuilding well into their 80s demonstrate remarkable dedication. They describe feeling younger, gaining confidence, and proving that physical capability isn’t limited by age. Research from international health sources corroborates these experiences.

As family travel continues to surge in popularity across Thailand, many parents are turning to social media for creative solutions to keep children happy and calm on the road. A recent feature by The Times explored the most-watched Instagram “travel hacks” for kids, testing which actually work and which are simply digital fads. This experiment, which has sparked online debate, highlights a growing trend: Modern families are blending traditional Thai parenting wisdom with global online tips to ease travel with young children.

James B. Maas, the pioneering psychologist who popularized the concept of the “power nap,” passed away on June 23, 2025, at the age of 86. Revered for transforming tiredness into a subject of national fascination and workplace reform, Professor Maas’s work left an indelible mark on how sleep is valued—especially the brief midday nap that claims to refresh both body and mind. Following his passing, the global scientific community continues to expand on his foundational insights, revealing the intricacies of why short naps offer unique cognitive benefits and the right way to integrate them into modern lives, including those of Thais grappling with work-life pressures and sleep deficits.

A wave of new research reveals that the key to experiencing a longer, more fulfilling life may lie not so much in medical breakthroughs or exercise regimens, but in how we psychologically perceive and savor time itself. Studies highlighted by The Atlantic in its recent piece, “The Psychological Secret to Longevity,” reveal that the way we experience time accelerates as we age—a phenomenon influenced not just by our biological clock, but by our daily routines, emotional engagement, and openness to novelty (The Atlantic).

A new wave of fitness culture and social media influence has driven increasing numbers of men—including many in their 20s and 30s—to use testosterone supplements in pursuit of enhanced masculinity, muscle gain, and sexual vitality. However, recent research and expert warnings are raising red flags: these supplements, widely marketed as a path to becoming an ‘alpha male,’ can actually cause infertility, with potentially irreversible effects.

Across gyms and online platforms in Thailand and worldwide, testosterone boosters—ranging from herbal products to powerful hormone injections—are being promoted as quick solutions for increased strength, confidence, and libido. This market boom has been further fuelled by aggressive advertising, gym trainer recommendations, and the influence of fitness influencers online. Yet, experts are cautioning that the promised benefits may come at the cost of a man’s future ability to father children, and that misuse can have wider health implications (NDTV).

Eggs remain a staple in Thai kitchens, from pad Thai to everyday breakfasts. Yet many shoppers debate whether brown eggs are healthier or tastier than white ones. Current nutrition guidance clarifies that shell color does not determine health or flavor. Instead, nutrition depends on hen breed, feed, freshness, and farming practices. For budget-conscious Thai families, the focus should be provenance and quality rather than shell hue.

A typical large egg offers about 74-80 calories, roughly 6 grams of high-quality protein, 5 grams of fat, and less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. Eggs provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, biotin, lutein and zeaxanthin, and choline, which is particularly important for fetal brain development. While eggs contain cholesterol, current science shows most people can enjoy them in moderation as long as saturated and trans fats are limited. This is especially relevant for families seeking affordable, nutritious options.

A groundbreaking new study published in July 2025 adds to mounting evidence that moving just a little more, even later in life, can substantially reduce your risk of early death and add healthy years to your life – a message especially resonant for Thailand’s increasingly urban, aging society. Challenging the perception that it’s “too late” for older adults or sedentary people to benefit, researchers found that even those who adopt a more active lifestyle later in adulthood still see considerable gains in longevity and disease prevention, with consistent movement emerging as the key.

New research suggests a subtle but meaningful link between daily body heat and depressive moods. In a large, multi-year study, researchers analyzed seven months of data from more than 20,000 volunteers across 106 countries. Participants wore rings that tracked core and skin temperatures, revealing that higher depression scores tended to align with slightly warmer bodies—even when the rise was less than a degree. The pattern held across climates, ages, and seasons, indicating a robust association worth further exploration.

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a surprising biological link between body temperature and depression, suggesting that even slight rises in daily body heat may march hand-in-hand with emotional lows. The research, conducted by an international team led by investigators at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and published in Scientific Reports, has far-reaching implications for the early detection and potential treatment of depression—an issue of deep and growing concern for Thais and others worldwide grappling with mental health challenges (Earth.com).

Feeling younger than your actual age can be more than optimism. It may predict better health, happiness, and sharper brain function. A growing body of international research shows that subjective age—the age you feel relative to your real age—affects physical and mental well-being into older adulthood. In Thailand, where the population is aging rapidly, these insights offer practical options for individuals and policymakers.

Subjective age is a simple self-perception: some octogenarians feel decades younger, while others feel older than their years. New studies indicate this feeling reflects not just mindset but real health, cognition, and brain structure. For a nation with one of the steepest aging curves, recognizing the power of subjective age could shape how Thailand supports healthy, fulfilling aging.

Feeling younger than your actual age may be more than just a positive mindset—it could be a powerful predictor of your future health, happiness, and even the aging of your brain. According to a growing body of international research, including the latest insights published by Psychology Today on the impact of “subjective age,” this simple feeling can influence your physical and mental well-being throughout your later years (Psychology Today).

Subjective age is how old you feel compared to your actual, chronological age. It’s a surprisingly powerful self-perception: some people in their 80s report feeling decades younger, while others feel older than their biological years. Recent research shows that this feeling—far from being psychological fluff—has measurable effects on health, cognitive functioning, and even brain structure.

A new analysis by a leading research library examines how law, culture, and personal identity intersect in Thailand’s naming system. The study shows how surnames, given names, and nicknames shape daily life, legal processes, and international interactions for Thais navigating registration, transliteration, and name changes.

Historically, Thai naming practices reflect social, religious, and bureaucratic structures. Surnames became widespread after the Surname Act of 1913 as part of state modernization. Since then, every family is expected to register a unique surname, creating a government-regulated identifier that touches government databases, education, and everyday introductions.

A recent feature in The Atlantic has reignited the debate over how parents should handle children’s chores, highlighting a common mistake that may be holding kids back from developing essential life skills. While many Thai parents are eager for their children to become responsible and self-sufficient, a closer look at both international and Thai family trends reveals that adults may be inadvertently preventing youngsters from gaining the confidence and competence that household responsibilities can provide.

In an age where stress and emotional upheaval are everyday realities, groundbreaking research is shedding light on fast, practical ways to manage overwhelming feelings—without resorting to drastic historical remedies like bloodletting or even surgical procedures. According to the latest insights outlined by a University of Michigan psychology professor and an array of supporting studies, effective emotional management can happen in as little as nine minutes, drawing on scientifically validated strategies rather than outdated or invasive interventions (Big Think).

Recent research shows quick, practical ways to manage intense feelings without relying on outdated remedies. Insights from university psychology departments and supporting studies suggest you can improve emotional regulation in as little as nine minutes using evidence-based strategies. For Thai readers, this matters: our fast-paced work culture and close-knit communities can magnify stress, but science offers accessible tools.

Historically, societies turned to drastic measures to cope with distress. Today, scientists treat emotions as useful signals that, when understood and guided, can foster growth, stronger relationships, and better performance at work. The Thai context adds relevance: families and workplaces often blend high expectations with care, making effective emotion management particularly useful.

A recent discussion on Slate’s Care and Feeding podcast centers on a simple moment: a five-year-old in a rural family asks for a sibling, seeking companionship. With more families worldwide choosing to have one child, the topic touches on social development, emotional health, and family dynamics—and how parents can support children’s social needs in moments of loneliness. For Thai readers, this resonates as demographic shifts and economic realities influence a new generation of only children.

A landmark global study reframes the obesity narrative by showing that overeating, especially ultra-processed foods, accounts for roughly ten times more of the rise in obesity than a lack of exercise. This finding has clear implications for Thailand, where obesity rates are climbing alongside rapid urbanisation and shifting eating habits.

Thai and international health authorities have long spotlighted physical activity as a key weapon against obesity, supported by nationwide campaigns. The prevalent view has been that sedentary urban lifestyles fuel expanding waistlines. But recent research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges this focus. An analysis of more than 4,000 adults from 34 countries—from hunter-gatherer groups in Tanzania to executives in Norway—found that daily calorie burn is similar across cultures, regardless of activity level.