Ailing Thai elephant finally back home after 22 years in Sri Lanka

29 Sept 18:24 Key points summarised by AI

Sak Surin, a Thai elephant, successfully returned to Chiang Mai, Thailand, via a chartered flight after 22 years in Sri Lanka.
The elephant received an official welcome from Minister Varawut Silpa-archa and veterinarians, who will oversee its 30-day quarantine and health assessment at an elephant conservation center.
This repatriation project, six months in the making, was a collaborative effort between Thai and Sri Lankan governments and various departments, costing 19.5 million baht.

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.