#Who

A quiet health revolution is reshaping Thai work life—inside school, hospital, and office canteens. As obesity, diabetes, and hypertension rise, a nationwide push to convert workplace cafeterias into “healthy canteens” aims to change meals and health outcomes for millions of Thais. Led by the Ministry of Public Health, the program embodies Thailand’s response to non-communicable diseases and is already delivering meaningful improvements for individuals and communities.

The urgency is clear. Global health data show unhealthy eating and high body mass index drive heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. In 2022, hundreds of millions of adults worldwide faced hypertension or were overweight, with nearly 900 million obese. Thailand mirrors this trend. National health surveys show obesity among working-age Thais rose from the mid-2000s to the late 2010s, while diabetes and hypertension increased as well. Diets high in sugar, fat, and salt, coupled with limited fruit and vegetable intake, contribute to these trends. Data indicate the average Thai consumer eats only about 3.7 portions of fruit and vegetables daily, well below the WHO recommendation of five portions.

A new analysis in medical research has illuminated a crucial aspect of the battle against mental health stigma: there are two very different—and deeply misunderstood—types of stigma affecting people with mental illnesses, each requiring distinct approaches to overcome. The findings, published this week in STAT News, call for nuanced strategies in advocacy and policy to ensure that the global response to mental health challenges is both effective and compassionate.

For Thailand, where mental health issues have traditionally been shrouded in silence and misconceptions, these insights could be game-changing for healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers striving for a more inclusive and supportive society.

A fresh analysis in medical research identifies two separate, deeply rooted forms of mental health stigma that require different strategies to overcome. Published recently, the study urges nuanced advocacy and policy actions to improve mental health support worldwide. For Thailand, where conversations about mental health have historically been limited, these findings offer practical pathways for clinicians, teachers, and policymakers to build a more inclusive system.

Globally, stigma prevents people from seeking care, leading to untreated conditions and social isolation. In Thailand, mental illness is often treated as a family issue—“เรื่องในบ้าน”—worth keeping quiet rather than seeking help. The research argues that anti-stigma efforts must separately address beliefs about psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and common conditions like depression and anxiety.

In Thailand’s lively markets, baskets of herbs sit beside bottles of traditional tinctures. Prasa Ma Waeng—known in Thai as Prasa Ma Waeng—remains a trusted anticough remedy and expectorant. As interest in natural therapies grows among health-conscious Thais, a careful look at how this age-old remedy fits today’s science and culture is timely.

Prasa Ma Waeng is more than folk medicine; it’s a thread in Thai healing traditions. Traditional Thai medicines appear in ancient manuscripts, family kitchens, and neighborhood pharmacies. Health authorities acknowledge its place in Thailand’s healing heritage while ensuring safety and quality through regulation. The value of Prasa Ma Waeng lies in its cough-soothing properties and in how its recipe reflects centuries of cultural knowledge and practice.

A new wave of international research underscores that when it comes to health risks, no alcohol is “safe”—and the difference between beer, wine, and spirits may matter less than most Thai drinkers think. According to a recent expert round-up in The New York Times, scientists are united in saying that “alcohol is alcohol.” No category emerges as a healthier choice: All forms, from red wine to clear spirits, carry significant risks for a range of diseases, including cancer and heart issues [nytimes.com].

A wave of international research confirms a stark message for health: no alcohol is truly safe. The difference between beer, wine, and spirits matters less than many Thai drinkers assume. An expert roundup in The New York Times states clearly that “alcohol is alcohol.” All forms carry risks for several diseases, including cancer and heart issues. The takeaway is that any amount of ethanol can harm the body.

This message lands at a crucial moment for Thailand’s public health dialogue. Traditional beliefs, social norms, and economic interests intersect with rising health concerns as alcohol features prominently in nightlife, festivals, and family gatherings. At the same time, Thailand faces higher rates of noncommunicable diseases and maintains some of Asia’s strictest advertising rules. New evidence on alcohol’s dangers is highly relevant for policymakers and consumers.

A new wave of international research is challenging widespread beliefs about alcohol, warning that no type of alcoholic drink is inherently “safer” or “healthier” than others. Thai readers who might have heard that red wine is somehow beneficial, or that clear spirits are less damaging than dark liquors, should take note: experts now agree, alcohol in any form poses risks to health, and moderation—or abstention—is the best strategy for reducing harm (NYT).

A wave of international research challenges the notion that some alcoholic drinks are inherently healthier than others. For Thai readers, the takeaway is clear: alcohol in any form carries health risks, and moderation or abstention remains the safest option for reducing harm.

Historically, wine with dinner was touted as heart-friendly, while some believed beer or clear spirits caused less damage. Leading scientists now say that the ethanol in any drink is the main risk driver. In other words, beer, wine, or spirits — the type matters less than the amount consumed.

A new World Health Organization assessment reveals a startling 33-year gap between the world’s highest and lowest life expectancies. The finding underscores persistent health disparities that persist across nations and within societies. The report, released in May 2025, stresses that where people are born, the opportunities they inherit, and social and economic structures largely shape health outcomes, not biology alone.

For Thai audiences, the implications are clear. Thailand must scrutinize its own health inequities—between urban and rural areas, and among ethnic and migrant communities—while pursuing inclusive growth and sustainable development. The global pattern reinforces the urgency of policy reforms that reach the most vulnerable and ensure fair access to health services.

A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed a staggering 33-year difference between the highest and lowest life expectancies globally, underscoring persistent and widening health inequities across nations and within societies. The findings, released on 6 May 2025, highlight that one’s health and longevity are shaped less by biology than by where one is born and raised, the opportunities available, and the degree to which social and economic structures expose individuals to disadvantage and discrimination (UN News).

As increasing numbers of smokers look for ways to finally quit amid a confusing landscape of old habits and new pressures, the latest research and advice suggest that both traditional methods and new perspectives are making a difference—even as Thailand and the world face persistent tobacco use. A recent advice column in Slate by A.J. Daulerio reignited debate over the most effective paths to smoking cessation, especially highlighting the resurgence of Allen Carr’s Easy Way method alongside standard medical and behavioral approaches. The relevance of this discussion is heightened for Thai readers, given Thailand’s long struggle with high smoking rates and ongoing public health campaigns to reduce tobacco use (Slate).

Quitting smoking remains a national health priority in Thailand, where tobacco use persists despite decades of anti-smoking campaigns. New guidance suggests that a blend of proven methods and renewed perspectives can boost success rates. An advisory column recently revisited Allen Carr’s Easy Way alongside medical and behavioral supports, highlighting a broader toolkit for Thai smokers navigating a complex quit journey.

Thailand faces heavy tobacco-related consequences. National statistics show tobacco-related deaths reaching tens of thousands each year, underscoring the urgent need for effective quitting strategies. The World Health Organization reminds us that tobacco can claim half of its users who do not quit, a stark reminder of the stakes involved. In Thai communities, social cues, stress, and cultural norms can complicate cessation efforts, even as awareness of health risks grows. Relapse often occurs during social gatherings or family obligations, making sustained support essential.

A surge of global and local research is putting the spotlight on a critical issue affecting Thai children: far too few are meeting the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, sparking concerns among health experts and educators about the long-term health consequences for the nation’s youth. International health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have long maintained that children and adolescents aged 5–17 should accumulate at least one hour per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise, predominantly through aerobic activities like running, cycling, and playing sports. Yet, recent figures suggest that a majority of Thai kids are falling below this crucial benchmark, with implications for their physical well-being, academic performance, and future medical costs.

A wave of global and local research highlights a troubling trend among Thai children: too few are achieving 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Health experts warn that this gap could raise future risks of obesity, diabetes, and weaker academic performance. International guidelines from the World Health Organization recommend at least one hour of moderate to vigorous activity each day, with aerobic activities like running, cycling, and sports playing a central role. In Thailand, urban living, screen time, and safety concerns compound the challenge of meeting these targets.

A growing body of global and local research is highlighting a worrying trend: the vast majority of children in Thailand, much like their peers in Hong Kong and around the world, are failing to meet the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day. This shortfall—revealed by the latest studies and echoed by Thai education and health officials—raises concerns about the lasting impacts on academic performance, physical health, and mental wellbeing among the nation’s youth.

The alarming drop in childhood vaccination rates is raising fresh fears of infectious disease resurgence in Thailand and around the world. According to recent research highlighted by international health experts, the downward trend in routine immunizations is leaving populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable illnesses such as measles and polio, marking a pivotal moment for public health systems globally, including Thailand (WIRED).

This issue is especially crucial for Thai families and policymakers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted health services and shifted public attention away from routine childhood immunizations. Historically, Thailand has celebrated strong immunization coverage, credited with eradicating diseases such as polio within its borders and sharply reducing cases of measles and diphtheria. However, the latest developments suggest these hard-won gains may now be at risk should the pattern mirror the global decline.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive new guideline aimed at significantly reducing adolescent pregnancies and improving the overall health and well-being of girls worldwide—a move that holds substantial relevance for Thailand and the broader region. The updated recommendations, announced in April 2025, target several root causes of early pregnancies, with a strong emphasis on preventing child marriage, extending girls’ access to education, and strengthening adolescent-friendly health services. These actions, according to the WHO, must be top priorities for governments and civil society striving to improve outcomes for young women.

A new set of guidelines from the World Health Organization aims to curb the rising trend of medicalized female genital mutilation (FGM) and to improve care for survivors. Health experts view this as a crucial step toward ending FGM globally, with focus on health, legal, and ethical implications when health professionals are involved.

FGM refers to procedures that intentionally injure the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, with millions more at risk each year. Disturbingly, recent research shows a surge in FGM performed by doctors, nurses, or midwives. While some communities view medicalized FGM as safer, global health authorities and women’s rights advocates agree there is no safe form of FGM, and medicalization perpetuates gender inequality and violence. Research and guidance from leading health institutions underscore this stance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released groundbreaking new recommendations to curb the growing trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and strengthen care for survivors, a move hailed by global health experts as an essential step toward eliminating this harmful practice worldwide. This updated guidance is particularly relevant as rising evidence suggests that, despite global efforts to end FGM, a concerning number of procedures are being performed by healthcare professionals—a development with complex health, legal, and ethical implications.

A recent study has sounded the alarm over the nutritional quality of widely used baby food pouches, revealing that many of these convenient products are high in sugar and lack essential nutrients critical for infant development. With their growing popularity among busy parents in Thailand and around the world, these findings are likely to raise important questions about the health impacts of processed baby foods and the need for clearer regulations and better consumer awareness.

A recent peer-reviewed study raises concerns about the nutritional quality of popular baby food pouches. The findings show many pouches are high in sugar and fall short on essential nutrients needed for infant growth. With the rise of these convenient products among busy Thai families and consumers worldwide, questions are emerging about health impacts and the need for clearer regulations and consumer education.

Over the last decade, ready-to-use baby food pouches have become common on store shelves, praised for convenience and portability. Yet the study, highlighted by a national health outlet, analyzed dozens of pouches and found that a large share contain sugar levels comparable to soft drinks while lacking iron, zinc, and protein — nutrients vital for brain development and immune function. Experts warn that frequent consumption of sugar-rich, nutrient-poor foods could contribute to obesity, dental issues, and possible developmental delays.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued urgent new recommendations aimed at stopping the dangerous trend of “medicalized” female genital mutilation (FGM) and ensuring robust support for women and girls who have undergone the practice, according to a recent release. This latest guidance, announced on April 28, 2025, is seen as a pivotal step in the global fight to eradicate FGM, a deeply harmful practice affecting millions worldwide.

FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons, poses severe health risks and violates fundamental human rights. In response to mounting evidence that a growing share of FGM procedures are now performed by healthcare professionals—a process known as “medicalization”—the WHO is calling for stricter measures to discourage this troubling shift while intensifying care for survivors.

A recent BBC investigation has found that many of the most popular baby food pouches on the UK market are worryingly low in key nutrients, raising alarms about their suitability as a major part of infants’ and toddlers’ diets. The revelations come amid increasing global reliance on packaged baby foods, including in urban Thai households, as parents seek convenience during the busy years of early childhood.

Laboratory testing of 18 products from leading brands, such as Ella’s Kitchen, Heinz, Piccolo, Little Freddie, Aldi and Lidl, uncovered a pattern: many pouches were low in critical nutrients like vitamin C and iron, while some contained more sugar than an infant should consume in one day. This investigative report echoes similar concerns previously voiced by nutritionists in Thailand and supports growing evidence from peer-reviewed studies on the nutritional deficits of commercial baby foods (BBC News).

Recent findings from a major UK investigation reveal that many popular baby food pouches may not meet optimal nutrition. The study tested 18 pouches from well-known brands and found concerning gaps in essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin C, with some products delivering surprisingly high sugar levels. As urban Thai households increasingly rely on convenient, ready-to-eat options, Thai health professionals say similar issues could affect young children here if care isn’t taken.