Doctor, dissident and now candidate: Dr Supat fighting for his political life

10 Sept 18:46 Key points summarised by AI

Dr. Supat Hasuwannakit, a People's Party candidate, faces potential disqualification from election after the Public Health Ministry voted for his dismissal over alleged procurement breaches.
The dismissal stems from accusations he split COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit purchases in 2021 to approve them personally, a charge he vehemently denies, asserting the procurement was vital during a public health emergency.
Supat claims the dismissal is politically motivated, a direct response to his outspoken criticism of the Bhumjaithai Party's policies and his pledge to combat corruption within the ministry if elected.
Despite the setback, some analysts suggest the controversy might inadvertently boost his electoral chances, as he was already a strong contender in his constituency.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.