Why year of the ‘Bad Student’ could be tipping point for Thai education

23 Sept 02:44 Key points summarised by AI

Thai students, led by the 'Bad Student' group, bravely challenged decades-long rigid school rules on hairstyles and uniforms throughout 2020.
Their protests, initiated by a powerful public stunt, escalated into widespread activism, prompting critical thinking and open defiance against authority.
This unprecedented student movement successfully pressured the Education Ministry to commit to amending rules, promising greater freedom in student appearance.
The 'Bad Student' campaign expanded beyond dress codes, sparking a broader national debate on authoritarianism and uniformity within Thai education and society.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Yesterday 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul and Kla Tham leader Capt. Thamanat Prompow ignited widespread speculation about a potential merger between their parties.
The meeting is viewed as a strategic message to coalition partner Pheu Thai, indicating Bhumjaithai's alternative options following Pheu Thai's chief whip's remarks about not fully defending all ministers in the upcoming no-confidence debate.
A direct merger between parties with sitting MPs is currently prohibited by Section 99 of the Constitution until the House's term expires, though MPs can switch parties through dismissal or party dissolution.
These constitutional rules aim to prevent financially strong parties from easily absorbing smaller ones, a practice that historically led to single-party dominance, as seen with Thai Rak Thai's 2005 election victory.