Myanmar junta enforces military service law

16 Sept 15:56 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's junta has activated a 2010 military service law, requiring all men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for at least two years, effective February 10, 2024.
This enforcement aims to strengthen the military as the junta struggles to quell widespread armed resistance that emerged after its 2021 coup, with non-compliance punishable by up to five years in jail.

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.