Bangkok plans to cut visa-free stay to 30 days

10 Sept 16:51 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand intends to reduce the visa-free stay period for tourists from 60 days to 30 days.
This policy change aims to prevent the exploitation of visa exemptions by individuals engaged in non-tourism or illegal activities.
The government emphasizes that the measure is not directed at any specific nationality but focuses on ensuring appropriate visa durations and monitoring problematic activities.
Authorities will also review and potentially merge various visa categories to streamline the system and ensure compliance with stated travel purposes.

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.