Jury still out on idea of paying salaries to civil servants twice a month

20 Sept 15:19 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government proposes paying civil servants twice a month, starting January, as an optional economic stimulus measure to enhance their cash flow.
The plan has generated mixed reactions, with some civil servants expressing concerns about disrupted financial management and potential transaction costs for the government and creditors.
While proponents argue it improves liquidity, critics suggest it may encourage increased spending and fails to address the underlying issue of high household debt among civil servants.
Experts recommend focusing on comprehensive debt restructuring, income enhancement, and financial education as more effective long-term solutions for civil servants' financial stability.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.