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The 33-million-baht signboard scandal derailing Thailand’s new grand central station

23 Sept 04:12 Key points summarised by AI

A 33-million-baht contract for new signboards at Thailand’s Bang Sue Grand Station (now Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal) ignited public outrage over alleged overspending.
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob initiated a probe into the State Railway of Thailand (SRT)'s 'specific' bidding method, while the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) investigates procurement irregularities.
The SRT defends the hefty cost, citing the urgent need for a royally granted name, complex installation of large, heavy characters high above ground, and the contract's inclusion of a one-year warranty and lighting system.
Uniq Engineering and Construction Plc (UNIQ), a major Thai constructor with numerous government contracts, secured the controversial signboard installation deal.

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.