Suspected bidding collusion in collapsed SAO building construction contract

15 Sept 06:16 Key points summarised by AI

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will probe China Railway No. 10 (Thailand) for suspected bidding collusion in the 2.1-billion-baht contract for the collapsed State Audit Office (SAO) building.
The DSI will also investigate potential foreign control of the company, noting the bid price was only 1% below the median and the company's history of no profits or corporate taxes while extending large loans to board members.
Industry Minister revealed that sub-standard, deformed steel bars from the collapsed building originated from a factory closed in December last year, despite construction beginning in 2020.
The Industry Ministry is considering revoking the operating license of the factory that supplied the deficient steel bars, with initial tests confirming sub-standard properties in 20mm and 32mm bars.

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.