Thousands of pink sea cucumbers (*Cercodemas anceps*) washed ashore on Suan Son Beach in Rayong, transforming a stretch of coastline into a vibrant reddish-pink.
The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) clarified that this rare, natural phenomenon was caused by strong winds and rough seas, posing no threat to the marine ecosystem.
Marine experts emphasize the vital role of these sea cucumbers as 'housekeepers of the sea,' crucial for maintaining the balance and health of underwater ecosystems.
Officials confirmed the stranded sea cucumbers are alive and are expected to naturally return to the ocean with the high tide.
The public is advised to avoid touching the creatures, as some species may release defensive toxins causing skin irritation.
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.