Thai Finance minister hopes there is still room to reduce US tariffs

13 Sept 06:15 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira voiced surprise at the US's 36% tariff on Thai goods but remains optimistic for negotiations before the August 1st deadline.
Thailand submitted a revised proposal, agreeing to substantially cut tariffs on approximately 90% of US imports, hoping the US will reconsider the 36% tariff.
Pichai emphasized the critical need for Thailand to reform its economic structure, aiming to reduce dependence on exports and bolster sectors like agriculture and tourism.
Thailand's acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also expressed his desire for a "better deal" than the currently imposed 36% tariff.

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.