Are political parties shortchanging the economy with populist platforms?

13 Sept 10:56 Key points summarised by AI

Thai political parties are proposing extensive populist policies for the upcoming general election, notably Pheu Thai's 10,000 baht digital currency handout aimed at stimulating the economy.
Other major parties, including Palang Pracharath and Bhumjaithai, also pledge significant spending increases for elderly pensions, welfare cards, and a three-year debt suspension for millions, raising alarms about public debt and fiscal sustainability.
Economists and financial institutions, such as the Bank of Thailand and the World Bank, caution against broad populist spending, advocating for targeted assistance, economic stability, and increased tax revenue to prevent fiscal strain.
A major concern is the lack of clear funding sources for these ambitious policies, with critics questioning their financial viability and potential long-term economic repercussions, drawing parallels to past fiscal debacles caused by unsustainable populism.

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.