Malaysia key to southern peace and development, says Sihasak

13 Sept 10:16 Key points summarised by AI

Deputy PM Sihasak Phuangketkeow stresses enhanced cooperation with Malaysia is crucial for resolving complex issues in Thailand's southern border provinces, extending beyond peace talks to include economic development.
Malaysia is vital for future economic connectivity, especially expanding railway networks to link Thailand's southern region with neighboring countries.
Thailand will pursue an integrated strategy, combining security and economic development, recognizing that multi-dimensional challenges like identity and justice require close regional partnership.
Sihasak aims to improve policy coordination by strengthening the Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee and eliminating siloed operations among government agencies to achieve unified implementation.

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.