Viral ‘squishy’ and ‘slime’ craze drives Sampheng retail boom

11 Sept 09:09 Key points summarised by AI

Viral social media reviews from influencers and celebrities are fueling a surging demand for 'squishy' and 'slime' toys, revitalizing Bangkok's historic Sampheng Market.
The craze attracts diverse crowds, including young working professionals fulfilling childhood desires and collectors seeking rare, high-value items, driving late-night market activity.
Vendors capitalize on the trend with accessible imported and self-branded items, sustaining sales growth and boosting the wider Sampheng area's nighttime wholesale economy through increased foot traffic.

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.