Experts weigh chances of Thaksin’s return next week

13 Sept 13:07 Key points summarised by AI

Fugitive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, in self-exile for 15 years, is reportedly set to return to Thailand on August 10, facing 10 years in prison from multiple convictions.
Political analysts state Thaksin's successful return hinges on his proxy Pheu Thai party securing three 'gems': legislative power, government power, and mass support, with the latter two currently uncertain.
Pheu Thai faces a critical dilemma: forming a government likely requires abandoning its alliance with election-winner Move Forward and partnering with conservative rivals, risking a significant backlash from its own supporters.
The conservative establishment may view Thaksin's return as a 'lesser evil' compared to the liberal Move Forward Party, potentially influencing political maneuvering to facilitate his comeback.
Despite his daughter's confirmation, skepticism persists due to Thaksin's history of announcing his return at least 19 times over the past 15 years without it materializing.

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.