Nobody on Thai side saw it coming

15 Sept 00:25 Key points summarised by AI

The Thai-Cambodian conflict escalated with unexpected speed, debunking initial theories that it was a staged political distraction orchestrated by the Thai government with Cambodian cooperation.
A dramatic rift emerged between Thailand's Shinawatra family and Cambodia's Hun Sen, transforming their historically close ties into a bitter grudge fueled by leaks and accusations of betrayal.
The sudden border fighting and diplomatic downgrades intensify domestic pressure on Thailand's already embattled Paetongtarn government, questioning its ability to lead against former allies.
Analysts suggest Hun Sen's aggressive stance may stem from Thailand's domestic policies or a strategic diversion from international scrutiny over financial crimes linked to politically connected Cambodian entities.

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.