Thailand’s economic think tank predicts 3.2% growth this year

13 Sept 13:54 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) forecasts a 3.2% economic growth for 2022, primarily driven by a robust recovery in the tourism sector.
The return of foreign tourists, following eased travel restrictions, is expected to boost third-quarter growth to 4.5%, significantly contributing to the overall annual projection.
Minor economic stimulus packages, such as “Shop Dee Mee Kuen,” are being considered to increase consumer purchasing power, with next year's package offering tax deductions on electrical appliance purchases.
NESDC also recommends the government address pressing issues like household debt, fair farm produce prices, export promotion, and measures to protect the Thai economy from global crises.

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.