Thai private sector estimates flooding has cost economy about ฿85 billion

11 Sept 09:08 Key points summarised by AI

Flooding in northern, north-eastern, and southern provinces has caused an estimated ฿85 billion in economic losses, primarily impacting the agricultural sector.
Despite the flood damage, the Thai private sector forecasts a 2.8% economic growth for this year, with a strong 4% in the fourth quarter, driven by better-than-expected exports and public budget disbursement.
Growth for next year is projected at least 3%, supported by government stimulus packages, infrastructure investments, and financial aid for SMEs and small debtors.
A significant risk identified is the potential for higher US import taxes under a Trump administration, particularly on Thai electronic appliances, automobiles, and plastics, urging joint preparedness for a possible trade war.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.