Meet Gen Rangsee, the new face of nationalist politics in Thailand

10 Sept 13:51 Key points summarised by AI

Gen Rangsee Kitiyanasap emerges as a significant figure in Thai nationalist politics, leading the Economic Party and poised to be a potential "kingmaker" in the upcoming election.
He champions a hardline agenda, proposing the death penalty for corrupt state officials and demanding stringent national security measures against online scams and border threats.
Recent opinion polls indicate a surprising surge in his and his party's popularity across various regions, positioning the Economic Party as a "dark horse" contender.
A retired general, Rangsee strategically employs strong nationalist rhetoric and controversial public statements to garner support and elevate his party's conservative appeal.

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.