Thailand's business leaders push for tax-free US goods amid tariff standoff

13 Sept 19:56 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's private sector proposes exempting most US imports from taxes to counter the US's 36% reciprocal tariff on Thai goods.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) presented this proposal to Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira ahead of critical negotiations with the US.
The initiative aims to reduce US tariffs, ensuring Thai products remain competitive, especially against regional rivals like Vietnam.
Finance Minister Pichai is considering the proposal and awaits a US response to Thailand's revised offer, hoping for a third round of tariff talks before the August 1 deadline.

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.