Crystal meth hidden in jars of tamarind bound for Japan seized

10 Sept 08:25 Key points summarised by AI

Police seized over two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine (Ice) meticulously hidden inside jars of tamarind paste, which were intended for shipment to Japan.
The discovery began when a vigilant courier noticed unusually heavy packages and, upon inspection, found a hard white substance, prompting her to alert authorities.
A Thai national, Sompong Kaewphadee, was arrested in connection with the seizure and charged with participation in a transnational organized crime group.
The ongoing investigation has led to arrest warrants for four more suspects, with intelligence suggesting the entire trafficking ring may involve up to 15 individuals.

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.