11 sectors and activities recognised as part of Thailand’s soft power

13 Sept 13:55 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's National Soft Power Strategy Committee officially recognized 11 diverse sectors, including tourism, film, food, and arts, for national promotion.
A 3 billion baht budget was approved to support Thai film producers' participation in international festivals, alongside plans for a nationwide "Maha Songkran World Water Festival" to boost tourism.
The Steering Office for National Reform, National Strategy and National Reconciliation is tasked with leading soft power development, managing budgets, and streamlining regulations for efficient implementation.
New members were appointed to the committee and subcommittees, notably actor Chanon Santinatornkul, to enhance specific industry expertise, particularly in film.

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.