UNESCO recognises five creative cities in Thailand

13 Sept 11:16 Key points summarised by AI

UNESCO has designated five Thai cities as 'Creative Cities,' acknowledging their unique contributions to gastronomy, crafts, folk arts, and design.
Phuket and Phetchaburi earned recognition for their distinctive traditional food and culinary heritage, driving significant local revenue.
Chiang Mai and Sukhothai were celebrated for their rich traditions in crafts and folk arts, supporting numerous local artisans and community industries.
Bangkok received its status for innovative design, showcasing a blend of historical and modern influences within its diverse urban landscape.

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.