Quake-induced panic and damage bring Bangkok to a halt

13 Sept 08:18 Key points summarised by AI

A powerful earthquake from Myanmar caused widespread panic and significant damage in Bangkok, leading to the city being declared an emergency zone.
The quake brought Bangkok's traffic to a complete standstill, forcing the closure of main roads, expressways, and suspending all mass transit systems (BTS/MRT) for safety checks.
Multiple buildings sustained damage or collapsed, most notably a construction site in Chatuchak where at least three people were killed.
Air travel was also severely impacted, with all nationwide aircraft takeoffs temporarily suspended for air traffic safety.
Authorities urged the public to stay alert for aftershocks and to avoid unnecessary travel amidst the ongoing disruptions.

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.