Death-trap school coach was a 54-year-old re-build

14 Sept 00:24 Key points summarised by AI

The ill-fated double-decker coach involved in a deadly accident was 54 years old, originally a 1970 Japanese-built Isuzu, and had been heavily rebuilt with a new chassis and a Mercedes engine.
Investigators discovered the coach was fitted with 10 NGV (natural gas for vehicle) canisters, despite the owner only having permission for three, which could lead to charges for unauthorized modifications.
The incident has prompted calls for schools to scrutinize the safety standards of vehicles used for field trips, while forensic teams are actively checking the coach's roadworthiness and modifications.

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.