Cambodia downgrades diplomatic ties with Thailand to “lowest level”

11 Sept 00:04 Key points summarised by AI

Cambodia announced it is downgrading diplomatic relations with Thailand to the “lowest level” (second secretary/second charge d'affaires) and has asked all Thai diplomatic personnel to leave Phnom Penh.
This move comes in direct response to Thailand's decision to recall its ambassador to Cambodia and expel the Cambodian ambassador from Bangkok.
Thailand's initial action was prompted by a landmine explosion in a border area that seriously injured a Thai soldier, leading to the closure of four border checkpoints and two temples.

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.