Thailand’s university football match spotlights fierce battle over kingdom’s future
AI In-Brief
Thailand News in Brief
Thai PBS World
Thailand and the world, every day
AI can make mistakes. Please double-check.
Thailand’s university football match spotlights fierce battle over kingdom’s future
14 Sept 01:57Key points summarised by AI
A recent football match between Chulalongkorn and Thammasat universities ignited controversy over the presentation of Chulalongkorn's royal emblem, Phra Kieo, during its parade.
Alumni reacted with dismay as the emblem, traditionally carried on a palanquin, was transported on an electric golf cart, which many perceived as disrespectful and a break from tradition.
The incident follows a 2021 student council vote to abolish the traditional emblem-bearing practice, citing it as a remnant of feudalism amid broader anti-establishment protests calling for monarchy reform.
Organizers defended the modern display, explaining it was inspired by sustainability and integrated symbols representing various academic fields around the emblem, denying any anti-royalist intent.
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.