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Police fast-track scandal prompts question: Can everything be bought in Thailand?

20 Sept 01:05 Key points summarised by AI

A Chinese tourist's viral video exposed a VVIP police fast-track service at a Thai airport, including escorts and special lanes, for approximately 7,000 baht.
The incident sparked public outrage in Thailand, raising questions about police priorities and whether money can buy preferential treatment, even from law enforcement.
Investigations revealed that such fast-track services, some involving police and others commercial, have long been available to foreigners but are often restricted for Thai citizens.
Four police officers were transferred following the scandal, though senior government officials attempted to minimize the controversy's significance.

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.