Kriengsak Lohachala: ‘Gentleman of City Hall’ leaves enduring Bangkok legacy
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Kriengsak Lohachala: ‘Gentleman of City Hall’ leaves enduring Bangkok legacy
23 Sept 06:43Key points summarised by AI
Pol Sub Lieutenant Kriengsak Lohachala, dubbed the “Gentleman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA),” passed away at 83, leaving a significant and enduring legacy on the Thai capital.
He dedicated decades to City Hall, serving as Bangkok City Clerk (BMA permanent secretary) and playing a crucial role in major events, crisis resolution, and improving public services for millions of Bangkokians.
After retiring from the BMA, Kriengsak made history by becoming the first person to win a third term as Bangkok City Council chairman, recognized for his extensive knowledge, political acumen, and unwavering commitment to a better Bangkok.
His influence extended beyond the BMA, as he chaired several prominent organizations and was known for his exceptional interpersonal skills, protocol knowledge, and extensive connections.
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.