Barefoot but in line - Thais use shoes to reserve places in bank queues

11 Sept 11:59 Key points summarised by AI

Thai citizens adopted a unique queuing method, placing shoes to reserve spots in long lines at Krung Thai Bank branches.
This unusual practice stemmed from a rush for assistance with the 4,000-baht 'Thai Chuay Thai Plus' scheme registration, as many encountered issues requiring in-person verification.

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.