Revenue Department defends ฿200m spending on defective air-con system

13 Sept 13:16 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Revenue Department defends its ฿200 million procurement of a new air-conditioning system in 2018, asserting it followed e-auction protocols.
Defects in the system emerged just two weeks after delivery in 2018 and have not been fully resolved, compelling staff to use personal fans and air conditioners.
The department's spokesman acknowledges the persistent issues but states the contractor remains obligated for maintenance under the warranty period.

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.