Thai politics will still see neither clear ideology nor sustained policies in 2023

25 Sept 07:07 Key points summarised by AI

Thai political parties lack clear ideologies, and policies often become unstable or unsustainable when forming coalitions, as exemplified by the challenges faced by the Bhumjaithai party's cannabis-hemp bill.
Politicians frequently switch parties for personal, family, or group benefits, leading to an individualistic political landscape where parties are defined by key figures rather than consistent institutional ideologies.
The uncertain future of leaders like General Prayut Chan-o-cha, due to term limits and coalition complexities, contributes to political instability and hinders the development of sustained government policies.
Potential prime ministerial candidates, including those with military coup associations or limited demonstrated leadership, suggest a continued focus on personalities over robust ideological platforms or consistent policy agendas.

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.