Constitution Day sheds light on fierce battle over supreme law dividing Thailand
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Constitution Day sheds light on fierce battle over supreme law dividing Thailand
12 Sept 03:32Key points summarised by AI
Thailand is deeply divided over replacing its 2017 junta-drafted constitution, with advocates pushing for a new supreme law to restore democratic foundations.
Major hurdles include disagreements on the number of referendums (two vs. three) and the 'double majority' rule required for constitutional amendments, creating rifts among MPs, senators, and the wider society.
Liberals call for a complete rewrite of the charter, while conservatives insist on preserving the current constitution's chapters on general provisions and the monarchy.
Despite ongoing efforts, the numerous disputes and procedural complexities make a successful constitutional rewrite unlikely during the current government's term, which expires in 2027.
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.