Thailand urged to diversify exports, reduce trade barriers

20 Sept 02:39 Key points summarised by AI

US tariffs, particularly a 36% levy on Thai products, pose a significant challenge to Thailand's economic growth, potentially slowing GDP to 1.5% by 2025.
To mitigate risks, Thailand must diversify its export markets beyond the US and strategically reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers on US goods to foster negotiations and ease trade tensions.
The country should also develop niche product specializations, leverage raw material imports for value-added re-exports, and actively pursue Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to strengthen ties across emerging global trade blocs while maintaining a neutral stance.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.