Cabinet approves ฿730m budget boost for Rayong reservoir project

26 Sept 07:44 Key points summarised by AI

Cabinet approved a ฿730 million budget increase and a two-year extension (2022-2027) for the Khlong Phlo reservoir project in Rayong, raising the total budget to ฿4.29 billion.
The budget adjustment addresses rising land compensation costs, reflecting market prices, which had previously stalled construction by preventing access to certain areas.
This crucial project aims to secure water supplies for over 4,800 hectares of agricultural land, benefit 1,500 households, mitigate flooding, and provide a vital reserve for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
With the revised timeline and budget, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) will expedite land compensation payouts and construction, targeting completion by fiscal 2027, with strict adherence to the new schedule and budget.

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.