Forest fires break out at base of Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai

16 Sept 13:15 Key points summarised by AI

Multiple forest fires have erupted at the base of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai, billowing smoke as firefighters work to control the outbreaks.
These fires contribute to excessive PM2.5 dust detected across 20 northern and north-eastern provinces, with critically high levels reported in areas like Lampang and Chiang Mai.

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.