Thailand to review 60-Day ‘visa-free’ policy due to security concerns

11 Sept 02:10 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand plans to revoke its 60-day pre-travel visa exemption policy for 93 countries due to identified security loopholes and negative visitor behavior.
A joint evaluation revealed an increase in illegal activities, including public disturbances, transnational crime, and foreigners working illegally, exploiting the extended stay.
Statistical data shows over 90% of quality tourists stay between 1 and 30 days, indicating the 60-day period is primarily used by a small minority for non-tourist or illicit purposes.
The government intends to reduce the duration of stay, likely returning to a 30-day standard, to tighten screening, prevent policy exploitation, and prioritize quality tourism that respects Thai laws.

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.