Thai economic sectors at risk without reforms amid US trade talks

12 Sept 06:31 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's industrial and agricultural sectors face significant risks from ongoing US trade talks without urgent reforms to boost competitiveness.
Economist Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr highlights Thailand's struggle to reduce its 36% tariff, contrasting with Indonesia's 19% cap, and urges government support beyond cash handouts for business transformation.
Despite slow tariff progress, Thai jewellery, biotechnology products, and raw silk maintain strong competitiveness in the US market, even with high tariffs.
To mitigate potential export contraction and reduce reliance on the US market, diversifying export markets, such as through a free trade agreement with the EU, is crucial.

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.