IMF says further Thai rate reduction would support inflation

13 Sept 11:15 Key points summarised by AI

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommends a further reduction in Thailand's policy interest rate to boost low inflation and alleviate the burden on local borrowers.
This recommendation follows the Bank of Thailand's (BoT) October rate cut and comes amidst rising household liabilities and slower-than-expected economic growth in 2023.
Thailand's Prime Minister also appealed for a rate cut, while the BoT's Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to review the interest rate on February 26.
The IMF maintains its 2025 GDP growth projection for Thailand at 2.9%, noting downside risks from global trade tensions and high private sector debt.

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.