Fish from Kok River confirm they are safe for consumption

30 Sept 23:20 Key points summarised by AI

Official lab tests confirm fish from the Kok River are safe for consumption, showing arsenic levels (0.13mg/kg) well below the safe limit (2mg/kg) and no other heavy metals.
Despite fish safety, the river's ecological system is degrading, causing murky water and a decline in fish populations, impacting local fishermen.
Massive, untreated discharges from Chinese mining activities in Myanmar's Shan state are identified as the primary source of arsenic and heavy metal contamination in the Kok River.
Contradicting the fish safety report, Chiang Rai authorities advise against using Kok River water for consumption, leading to significant closures of tourism businesses due to public health concerns.

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.