Opinion: Big Joke case is depressing either way

14 Sept 21:24 Key points summarised by AI

The 'Big Joke' case reveals a deeply flawed Thai police system, regardless of Pol Gen Surachate Hakparn's guilt or innocence, as either outcome points to systemic corruption or persecution.
If innocent, the system destroying him is rotten; if guilty of online gambling benefits, it highlights how a potentially corrupt individual was close to leading the entire police force.
The article dismisses arguments that police corruption is a 'normal' price for law and order, labeling such views as defeatist and absurd, underscoring the severe impact on public trust.
A murky incident involving Surachate, an NACC candidate, and the House Speaker further erodes confidence, raising questions about Surachate's motives and the integrity of independent agencies.
Ultimately, the case exposes profound systemic issues within Thailand's law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies, leaving the Thai public as the true victim.

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.