The unlikely saviour: Thammanat’s quick action keeps SEA Games on track

13 Sept 07:57 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy PM Thammanat Prompao, despite initial skepticism, emerged as a crucial figure in resolving two major crises threatening Thailand's hosting of the SEA Games.
He swiftly intervened when the World Petanque and Bowls Confederation suspended Thailand, dispatching a delegation that successfully negotiated the sport's reinstatement by pledging reforms.
Thammanat also quickly resolved a high-profile controversy involving badminton star Pornpawee Chochuwong, convincing her to rejoin the SEA Games squad by promising an investigation into her management complaints.
His decisive actions have maintained Thailand's sporting credibility and ensured the smooth progression of the upcoming 33rd SEA Games.

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.