Is 2025 growth proof that Thai economy is out of ICU?

11 Sept 22:13 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Finance Minister declared the economy 'out of ICU' after a 2.5% Q4 2025 growth and 2.4% full-year expansion, attributing success to short-term consumption stimulus packages.
The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) confirmed this growth, highlighting robust household consumption and significant public and private sector investments, particularly in construction, as key drivers.
Investor confidence in the Thai stock market surged post-election, anticipating greater political stability, though potential election irregularities introduce an element of risk.
Economists caution that while the economy may be 'out of ICU,' it remains 'in the hospital,' requiring new engines of growth beyond fiscal stimulus to enhance competitiveness and catch up with faster-growing neighboring economies.

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.