A recent tour by the Siam Society and Siamese Heritage Trust unveiled Sukhumvit's hidden modern architectural gems, aiming to highlight their cultural significance and the urgent need for conservation.
The tour showcased a range of mid-century masterpieces, from the Siam Society Auditorium's blend of traditional and modern design to the climate-resilient Swiss Embassy and the iconic Miami Hotel.
Featured buildings demonstrate innovative adaptations to Bangkok's tropical climate, utilizing elements like brise-soleils, cross-ventilation, and natural materials to blend functionality with aesthetic appeal.
Efforts to preserve these structures face challenges from demolition for new development, prompting calls for incentives and recognition to safeguard Bangkok's unique modern architectural heritage.
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.