Winner takes all: The high-stakes battle for control of Thailand’s Senate

16 Sept 01:24 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's ruling coalition parties, Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai, are locked in a high-stakes battle for control of the Senate, which wields significant power over key appointments and constitutional amendments.
Bhumjaithai currently holds a strong advantage, commanding the loyalty of approximately 140 senators, giving them substantial influence over legislative processes and independent agencies.
Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra (Pheu Thai) is actively working to shift this balance, with analysts suggesting a DSI investigation into alleged Senate vote-rigging might be a tactic to pressure Bhumjaithai or sway senators, especially with upcoming appointments to independent bodies.
The conservative elite are reportedly satisfied with the current Senate's composition and its loyalty, potentially influencing Bhumjaithai's decision to either concede power or resist Pheu Thai's advances.

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.