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Will the government’s land ownership scheme for wealthy foreigners get off the ground?

28 Sept 06:42 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Cabinet approved a controversial scheme allowing wealthy foreigners to own up to one rai of land, provided they invest at least 40 million baht for three years in specific sectors or financial assets.
The offer targets four groups of foreigners—wealthy individuals, pensioners, remote workers, and talented workers—with strict conditions on investment type and land location, aiming to attract significant foreign investment and boost the economy.
The proposal faces widespread opposition from the public, political parties, and former finance ministers, who raise concerns about potential land grabs, property price surges, and existing land ownership inequality among Thai citizens.
Critics highlight Thailand's low tax rates as a major draw for foreign investors, while experts suggest reforms like restricting foreign ownership to upmarket areas, introducing specific taxes, and addressing domestic land reform.

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.