Myanmar complains over pariah treatment in ASEAN bloc

21 Sept 05:42 Key points summarised by AI

Myanmar's foreign ministry protested "discriminatory measures" by ASEAN, claiming its post-coup leadership is unfairly excluded from the bloc's summits despite perceived "positive developments."
ASEAN has largely shunned Myanmar's military leadership since the 2021 coup, citing a lack of progress on its peace plan and ongoing human rights abuses.
A consensus within ASEAN is fraying, with some members engaging with Myanmar's new leadership while others remain critical, highlighting continued atrocities and democratic setbacks.
Myanmar accused unnamed nations of "interfering in its internal affairs" through criticism and pressure, asserting that non-constructive engagement disregards the "genuine will" of its people.

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.