Centres opening to cope with PM2.5 pollution as more people fall sick

13 Sept 09:18 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Ministry of Public Health directs all provinces to establish operations centres if PM2.5 levels exceed 50 microns for three consecutive days, responding to a surge in pollution-related illnesses.
The number of people falling sick due to PM2.5 pollution has more than doubled in a week, with common symptoms including eye/skin irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, and nausea.
Provinces like Samut Songkhram have already opened centres, while others monitor the situation; the public is advised to use Air4Thai, avoid outdoor exercise, and wear N95 masks, as Bangkok's air quality is expected to worsen.

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.