Thailand relaxes drone ban for agriculture but keeps strict limits on other uses

21 Sept 10:46 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand has eased its nationwide drone ban, now permitting their use solely for agricultural purposes like spraying or distributing substances, under stringent conditions.
Agricultural drone operations are restricted to daylight hours (6 am - 6 pm), require 12-hour advance notification, and must not exceed 30 meters in altitude over the operator's own land or with landowner consent.
The general prohibition on all other types of drone use remains in force indefinitely, citing aviation safety and security concerns amidst regional tensions.
Operators violating these regulations face severe penalties, including up to one year in prison, a 40,000 baht fine, or both, with authorities empowered to intercept or destroy non-compliant drones.

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.