Prayut given political lifeline -- but what’s next?
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Prayut given political lifeline -- but what’s next?
14 Sept 07:57Key points summarised by AI
Thailand's Constitutional Court ruled Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's term officially began in 2017, not 2014, allowing him to complete his current tenure.
The court's decision is based on the 8-year term limit applying from the 2017 Constitution promulgation, rejecting the opposition's argument for retroactive application.
While providing immediate relief from suspension, the ruling effectively limits any potential re-election term for Prayut to just two years (until 2025).
Political analysts suggest this short remaining term presents a significant challenge for his re-election ambitions, potentially paving the way for a 'graceful exit' from power.
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.