PM confident cash payouts will lead to the first economic “whirlwind”

12 Sept 04:35 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra launched the first phase of the "digital wallet" scheme, disbursing 145 billion baht to 14.5 million disabled people and state welfare card holders, anticipating a major economic "whirlwind."
The initiative aims to significantly stimulate the sluggish economy, generate opportunities, enhance businesses, and improve the livelihoods of low-income earners, while also establishing a foundation for a digital economy with "digital IDs."
The government justifies the scheme as a crucial response to severe economic impacts from global slowdowns, geopolitical conflicts, and natural disasters, emphasizing that tourism growth alone is insufficient for macro-economic stimulation.
The Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to implementing a second phase of the scheme and other long-term economic policies, urging recipients to utilize the 10,000 baht cash benefit wisely.

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.