Thailand's economy faces a potential recession in Q4 due to significantly reduced export volumes, escalating border tensions, and a strong Thai baht hindering competitiveness.
The export sector is projected to contract in the second half of 2025, primarily impacted by US tariffs and the strong baht, though the currency is anticipated to depreciate soon.
Achieving the government's 3% growth target is unlikely without swiftly addressing structural issues, including an inefficient agricultural sector and overly complex regulations.
Despite challenges, a 1.5% GDP growth is projected, with reduced US tariffs helping to maintain existing supply chains in industries like seafood and jewelry, alongside stable foreign direct investment.
To unlock new economic momentum, rapid development of clean electricity and targeted stimulus packages for the agricultural sector are highlighted as critical policy directions.
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.