Navy's warship projects in limbo amid political indecision

17 Sept 01:05 Key points summarised by AI

Royal Thai Navy's key warship acquisitions, including a long-stalled submarine and proposed frigates, remain undecided due to the government's political indecision and lack of clear direction.
The controversial Chinese submarine deal, delayed by an engine embargo, awaits government approval on a revised offer that includes a different engine and compensation, despite substantial prior investment in supporting infrastructure.
A new 35-billion-baht proposal for two advanced frigates, designed to be partially built domestically to boost local industry, is also pending, with strong support from the shipbuilding sector.
The Navy faces a significant budget dilemma, as pursuing both the submarine and frigate projects simultaneously would create financial strain, potentially forcing a decision that could compromise the viability of local shipbuilding initiatives.

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.