AI In-brief 22 Sept 06:03

Free tablet device scheme... A solution or another problem?

Thailand's Ministry of Education launched the "Anywhere Anytime" project, a 22-billion-baht initiative to provide digital devices to secondary students, aiming to reduce educational inequality and enhance learning accessibility.
Proponents argue the scheme will bridge educational gaps and supplement resources, particularly in rural areas, aligning with the increasing digital integration in modern classrooms.
Critics, including child psychiatrists, express significant concerns about potential downsides such as increased screen dependency, negative impacts on social skill development, and the irreplaceable need for in-person interaction and experimental learning.
The project mirrors a failed 2012 "One Tablet per Child" initiative, raising questions about its efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and whether investment in broader classroom IT infrastructure might be more beneficial.
With international recommendations, like UNESCO's, advising smartphone restrictions in schools, the new scheme faces scrutiny regarding its ability to balance technological benefits with the risks of excessive screen time and the fundamental human need for interaction.

AI In-brief Yesterday 13:56

Seats on Transport Co. buses already 80% booked for New Year period

Transport Co. announces 80% of bus seats are already booked for the 2027 New Year festival, indicating high demand for holiday travel.
Advance bookings surge for major routes, particularly to popular destinations in the North (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai), Northeast (Nakhon Phanom), and South (Koh Samui, Phuket, Hat Yai).
Passengers can secure tickets through official BKS channels, including its website, mobile app, verified social media, or ticket counters nationwide.
The company warns travelers about online scammers creating fake Facebook pages to offer fraudulent, cheap tickets, urging caution against unverified sources.
Travelers are strongly advised to verify booking channels, avoid suspicious links, and report any fraudulent pages to authorities immediately.