Fatal Bangkok canopy collapse raises fears over other ageing buildings

14 Sept 07:32 Key points summarised by AI

The fatal canopy collapse was primarily caused by severe long-term deterioration of concrete and steel, alongside weak balcony joints, in a century-old building that had exceeded its typical service life.
The incident highlights widespread safety concerns for numerous other ageing buildings in Bangkok's historic districts, many constructed under less stringent regulations and with older technology.
Experts are urging the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to conduct immediate inspections of old structures, especially those with protruding balconies, while warning building owners of potential civil and criminal liability for neglecting essential maintenance.

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.