New Zealander found with large cache of firearms and explosives in Phuket

13 Sept 16:49 Key points summarised by AI

Thai police arrested New Zealander Gareth Alan Davies in Phuket after discovering a large cache of 19 handguns, 7 rifles (including AK and M-16 assault rifles), and 11 hand grenades at his residence.
Davies, a former mechanical engineer with knowledge of firearm modification, is suspected of operating a workshop for producing and altering weapons, a claim police believe contradicts his assertion of being a mere collector.
The arrest is part of a broader crackdown on illegal firearms in Thailand following a recent mass shooting, with authorities investigating Davies' connections and potential involvement in online weapon trading.

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.