Jirayu Houngsub: From 'red media' to new government's mouthpiece

12 Sept 00:45 Key points summarised by AI

Jirayu Houngsub is slated to become the new government spokesman for Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, having already commenced duties as her public relations adviser.
His official appointment is undergoing rigorous qualification checks by multiple agencies, a process heightened after the previous prime minister's removal due to a controversial appointment.
Jirayu's background spans a career in journalism, including roles with pro-Thaksin 'red media' outlets, before transitioning into politics as a Pheu Thai Party MP and Defence Ministry spokesman.

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.