Myanmar dissidents seek an 'ASEAN-Plus' forum to end crisis

13 Sept 15:57 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's dissident groups, including the National Unity Government and ethnic armed organizations, propose an 'ASEAN-Plus' inclusive platform to resolve the ongoing political crisis, recognizing ASEAN's limitations.
UN Special Envoy Noeleen Heyzer supports this initiative, stating the forum would initially focus on the urgent humanitarian situation exacerbated by the military coup and escalating violence.
Despite ASEAN's five-point consensus, progress remains stalled due to the military junta's lack of cooperation, pushing Myanmar towards civil war and causing mass displacement.
Heyzer has engaged extensively with all key parties, including dissidents, to bridge gaps and complement ASEAN's efforts, advocating for civilian rule, future elections, and a regional framework for refugee protection.

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.