New EU scheme offers Thai travellers longer-validity Schengen visas

13 Sept 21:58 Key points summarised by AI

The EU's "Visa Cascade" scheme now allows Thai nationals to apply for longer-validity multiple-entry Schengen visas, aiming to reduce frequent applications and administrative burdens.
Eligibility for extended validity (one, two, or five years) is based on an applicant's strong record of lawfully using previous Schengen visas.
Thailand was approved for this scheme due to its demonstrated low migration and security risks, alongside its economic contributions to EU and Schengen countries.
As one of seven countries included, Thailand's participation reflects growing EU confidence and marks a significant milestone in Thailand-EU relations.

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.