Surviving the economic upheaval: why local mobile food businesses are thriving

10 Sept 19:27 Key points summarised by AI

Thai 'rod phum phuang' (mobile food businesses) are flourishing despite widespread factory closures and SME debt, showcasing remarkable resilience in a challenging economic climate.
Their success stems from offering unparalleled convenience, competitive pricing, high-quality produce, and exceptional customer service, catering to diverse community needs, especially in remote areas and during lockdowns.
Entrepreneurs like Sakon Manakij and Thawatchai Suthitanon thrive by adapting offerings (e.g., varied package sizes, strategic routes), building trust through integrity, and engaging customers with value-driven strategies and personalized service.
These mobile ventures benefit from lower operating costs compared to traditional stores, providing owners with greater flexibility, control over their schedules, and a direct connection to their customer base.

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.