In the Thai capital, where traffic congestion and heat often dominate daily life, a growing number of young people are turning to open-air aerobics sessions in one of the city’s largest parks as both a fitness outlet and a social activity.

At Lumphini Park, evening exercise classes that once attracted a smaller, older demographic are now drawing large crowds of students and young professionals. Organisers say participation has expanded significantly in recent months, reflecting a shift in how urban youth engage with fitness and public spaces.

As music begins to play, an instructor leads participants through synchronized movements from a raised platform. Attendees mirror the routine in unison, raising their arms, stepping rhythmically, and following choreographed sequences that blend exercise with performance.

The sessions, held after typical working hours, have become a focal point for community interaction in a city where long commutes and dense urban conditions often limit recreational options. Participants say the classes offer a low-cost and accessible alternative to indoor gyms, while also providing a sense of shared experience.

Organisers noted that the demographic composition of the classes has changed markedly. Previously dominated by older residents, the sessions are now increasingly attended by Gen Z participants, many of whom are drawn by the energetic atmosphere and the opportunity to socialise.

Social media platforms have played a key role in driving this surge. Videos of the aerobics routines, often filmed by participants, have circulated widely on apps such as TikTok and Instagram, helping to popularise the activity beyond its immediate geographic setting.

Clips typically highlight the scale of the gatherings and the coordinated movements of the crowd, contributing to the perception of the sessions as both a fitness activity and a form of entertainment. The visibility generated online has, in turn, encouraged more young people to attend in person.

Urban planners and health advocates have increasingly emphasised the importance of accessible public exercise initiatives in densely populated cities. Activities such as group aerobics can contribute to physical well-being while fostering social cohesion, particularly among younger populations.

In Bangkok, where public spaces are limited relative to population density, the resurgence of interest in park-based activities underscores the role of communal environments in promoting healthier lifestyles. The trend also reflects broader shifts in fitness culture, with younger generations showing a preference for informal, group-based experiences over traditional gym memberships.

While the sessions remain free and open to the public, organisers say managing larger crowds has become a consideration, particularly as interest continues to grow. Nonetheless, the inclusive nature of the activity remains central to its appeal.

As the music winds down and participants disperse into the evening, the classes stand as an example of how urban communities are adapting familiar practices to new social dynamics, blending physical activity with digital visibility and cultural expression.

Paris’ last newspaper hawker keeps the spirit of the Latin Quarter alive, blending tradition, humor, and community in the heart of the city.

In the heart of Paris’ Latin Quarter, a slim, round-spectacled man zigzags between cafés and bustling streets, newspapers under his arm, bringing laughter and curiosity to everyone he meets. Ali Akbar, 73, has earned a reputation as the last newspaper hawker in the French capital, a living link to the city’s vibrant cultural past.

Every afternoon, Akbar invents humorous headlines to sell his newspapers, turning ordinary street corners into moments of joy. “France is getting better!” he cries. “(Eric) Zemmour has converted to Islam!” he shouts, drawing smiles from passersby who stop to engage with his playful banter.

Ali Akbar’s story is one of courage and perseverance. Born in Pakistan, he arrived in France at the age of 20, seeking to escape poverty and provide for his family back home. He worked as a sailor and a dishwasher before finding his calling as a newspaper hawker in Paris. Through hardships, including homelessness and moments of danger, Akbar has never given up.

His journey into Parisian streets began in the 1970s, when he first started selling newspapers in the university neighborhoods along the Left Bank. It was here, in front of prestigious institutions like Sciences Po, that he learned French, interacted with students, and connected with future French leaders, including former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.

It was also here that Akbar met Georges Bernier, the famed humorist known as Professeur Choron, who introduced him to the satirical publications Hara-Kiri and Charlie Hebdo. The chance encounter set him on a path that would make him a beloved cultural icon.

“I want people to live happily. I do it to create a good mood, that’s all,” Akbar explains, encapsulating the essence of his work. His invention of playful, sensational headlines in the 1980s made him stand out among Paris’ street vendors. While the city once hosted around 40 newspaper hawkers, Akbar chose to walk, embracing the freedom of the Latin Quarter and making himself a fixture of the area.

Akbar’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to make him a knight in the National Order of Merit, recognizing his decades of service and contribution to the cultural life of Paris. “At first I didn’t believe it,” Akbar said with a smile. “I think it’s related to my courage because I’ve worked hard all my life.”

Despite the decline in physical newspaper sales, Akbar continues his routine, working daily from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m., selling copies of Le Monde and sharing laughter with locals and tourists alike. On average, he now sells around 30 newspapers a day, a significant drop from the 150–200 he sold when he started. Yet, his spirit remains unshaken. “As long as I’ve got the energy, I’ll keep going. I’ll work until I die,” he jokes.

For many, Ali Akbar is more than a newspaper hawker. He is a symbol of resilience and human connection in a digital age. Café owners, tourists, and Parisians alike stop to greet him, inspired by his energy and warmth. Amel Ghali, a regular at one of the terraces, said, “It’s good to see it in the digital age. Unfortunately, our children won’t experience the pleasure of reading a newspaper with a coffee. Ali Akbar keeps that tradition alive.”

His legacy is a testament to the enduring charm of Paris’ streets, where culture, humor, and human spirit converge. Even after decades of challenges, Ali Akbar remains a reminder that dedication and joy can create a life of lasting impact, bringing smiles to those who stop and listen to his imaginative headlines.

Ali Akbar, the last newspaper hawker in Paris, continues to embody a rare blend of perseverance, charm, and optimism. His story transcends borders, offering an inspiring glimpse of how one individual can enrich an entire city through simple acts of dedication and humor.