Luang Phor Alongkot and close aide arrested

16 Sept 17:31 Key points summarised by AI

Luang Phor Alongkot, former abbot of Phra Bat Nam Phu Temple, was arrested on embezzlement and money laundering charges stemming from public donations.
His assistant, Seksan Sapsubbsakul (Mor Bee), was also apprehended on similar charges by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB).
Arrest warrants were issued by the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases, with police expediting Alongkot's arrest due to concerns he might attempt to escape.
Both suspects have denied all charges, despite Seksan's background in finance and his previous recognition for charitable activities.

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.