First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
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First phase of Thai-Cambodian border fence finished, Navy to start second
13 Sept 12:48Key points summarised by AI
Thailand has completed the first 1.3-kilometre phase of its border fence with Cambodia in Chanthaburi, constructed with concrete, razor wire, and a secure steel door.
A parallel road, funded by the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) and local residents, runs alongside the fence to facilitate troop patrols and provide access for local farmers.
The new barrier aims to prevent contraband and human trafficking, while also serving as a physical manifestation of Thailand's commitment to resolving border conflicts with Cambodia.
The Royal Thai Navy is now set to commence construction of the second phase, which will cover a distance of just over 8 kilometres.
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.