Thailand, Lao PDR enhance ties as Laotian PM makes visit

28 Sept 13:15 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand and Lao PDR elevated their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership for Growth and Sustainable Development" during Laotian PM Phankham Viphavanh's visit.
Key agreements included three MOUs: a five-year strategic partnership action plan, cooperation on electrical energy development, and the Thai-Lao PDR Arboretum Project.
Both countries pledged to revive border economies, accelerate transport connectivity (especially rail links), and enhance cooperation in digital economy and clean energy.
Security efforts will intensify through increased border patrols, drug trafficking suppression, and joint action against organized crimes like human trafficking and "Call Centre Gangs."
Thailand also committed to supporting a friendship centre for human trafficking victims and the construction of the Xieng Man-Luang Prabang Bridge to boost tourism.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Today 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.