Explainer: How the Senate became a battleground for Thailand’s political future

13 Sept 23:58 Key points summarised by AI

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has accused over 100 senators, linked to the Bhumjaithai party, of money laundering and vote-rigging in last year's Upper House election, sparking a major political crisis.
This escalating dispute between ruling coalition partners Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai threatens government stability, potentially leading to Bhumjaithai's expulsion and a snap general election.
Control of the Senate is paramount as it holds extensive powers, including ratifying appointments to independent agencies and voting on constitutional amendments, making it a critical arena for future political dominance.
If the accused are found guilty, half the Senate could be disqualified or the entire election invalidated, with Bhumjaithai also facing potential dissolution for allegedly undermining the constitutional monarchy.

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.