Sleep specialists say people with obstructive sleep apnea often face another hidden challenge: stubborn weight gain.

Poor sleep disrupts leptin and ghrelin — the hormones that control hunger and fullness — making cravings stronger and weight harder to manage.

That connection may help explain why treatments like semaglutide are gaining attention for supporting meaningful weight loss.

Read the report on how sleep disruption may influence weight and metabolism.

Learn More.

Hello, welcome! Take a look inside kaa. Here's what I have for you today:​

During Thai new year 2025, Songkran, the epic water fight, a tourist in Chiang Mai had to flag down strangers to help remove a rubber flip-flop off his foot.

It was locked.

The water had created a vacuum seal between the rubber and his skin, and the harder he pulled, the worse it got.

He wasn't alone, either.

In Phayao, a kid had to have their shoe CUT OFF with scissors because it was permanently stuck to the street. And in Chonburi, a teenager got her leg trapped in a metal drain grate while dancing in the water.

These aren't freak accidents. Thais literally have a phrase for it — your shoes "eating your feet."

Oh, shoe so hungry …

It happens every single year at Songkran. And it happens almost exclusively to people wearing cheap rubber flip-flops.

Here's the thing most first-timers don't think about:

Songkran isn't a cute little splash zone. It's an all-out water fight. You're getting hosed, bucketed, and soaked for hours. The streets turn into shallow rivers. And whatever's on your feet needs to handle that without turning into a suction cup… or a slip hazard.

Flip-flops fail on both counts.

That's why I wear water sandals. Not because I want to look like Spartacus. But because I don’t want to slip and slide – and I don’t want any vaccuum situation (in this region).

The ones I wear are made of quick-dry polyester straps (not rubber), have a bungee lacing system so they stay locked on without trapping your foot, and there’s a multi-directional tread with water channels built into the sole for grip on slippery streets.

And you can throw them in the washing machine after, which — trust me — you'll want to do after a day of Songkran street water.

Tim's Take: Footwear is one of those things nobody thinks about until they're hobbling barefoot down the flooded Soi 6 with a welt on their arch. Don't be that guy.

If you're headed to Thailand for Songkran and want to actually enjoy it instead of fighting with your shoes, check out this link*.

And don’t forget to watch my new video!

Chokdee!
​- Tim

*P.S. Disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase something via these links, I will earn a small commission. No additional cost.

P.P.S. I’m starting a Job Newsletter to help foreigners land their dream jobs in Thailand. Sign up for free here.