Broadcast regulator’s subsidy of World Cup live broadcast to be challenged

14 Sept 07:41 Key points summarised by AI

Opposition MPs and civil society groups are challenging the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)'s decision to approve a 600 million baht subsidy for live World Cup 2022 broadcasts.
They plan to submit a petition to the Administrative Court and request a National Counter Corruption Commission (NCCC) investigation into NBTC members for alleged misconduct.
Critics argue the NBTC's fund, intended for communications research and development, is being misused to support sporting events, which they contend is the responsibility of the Sports Authority of Thailand.
The NBTC approved the budget 4-2, citing alignment with fund objectives, despite strong objections regarding the fund's original purpose and potential impact on the regulator's liquidity.

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.