Wages in Thailand are not only one factor in potential investor decisions

23 Sept 02:20 Key points summarised by AI

A proposed increase in Thailand's minimum wage to 450 baht/day sparks concerns among business operators, who fear it could deter foreign investment and encourage local businesses to relocate production.
While Thailand's wages are competitive, other ASEAN nations like Indonesia offer larger domestic markets, and Vietnam boasts a younger workforce, highlighting that wage levels are not the sole determinant for investment.
Experts emphasize that businesses have adapted to past wage hikes by investing in automation and shifting away from labor-intensive industries, indicating a reduced reliance on cheap labor.
Crucially, non-wage factors such as high electricity costs (three times higher than Vietnam's) and business taxes are identified as more significant deterrents for investors, alongside the need to regain preferential trade statuses like the US GSP.

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.