China steps up mediation in Thailand–Cambodia border dispute

13 Sept 11:16 Key points summarised by AI

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi initiated separate phone calls with Thai and Cambodian counterparts to address escalating border tensions that have resulted in casualties.
Wang urged an immediate ceasefire, reduction of damage, and restoration of mutual trust, warning that continued fighting could undermine ASEAN unity.
China dispatched a Special Envoy for Asian Affairs to both countries for shuttle diplomacy, affirming its neutral stance and commitment to facilitating peace.
Both Thai and Cambodian foreign ministers expressed appreciation for China's unbiased mediation and welcomed its active role in de-escalating tensions.

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.