Reptiles seized at Suvarnabhumi in parcels bound for Philippines

14 Sept 09:56 Key points summarised by AI

Authorities at Suvarnabhumi Airport seized over 120 live reptiles, including tortoises, iguanas, and pythons, hidden in two international mail parcels.
The parcels, falsely declared as 'Dried Fruit Snacks and Food' and weighing over 18kg, originated from Surat Thani province and were destined for the Philippines.
Officials highlighted that wildlife smuggling through mail is a serious offense, causing animal suffering and risking the spread of infectious diseases.
An ongoing investigation aims to identify and prosecute the senders and involved parties, while authorities enhance screening measures to combat illegal wildlife trafficking.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 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.