Thai exports continue steady growth for 25 consecutive months

10 Sept 02:20 Key points summarised by AI

Thai exports achieved 25 consecutive months of growth, with a 21.6% increase in July, reaching US$34.78 billion, driven by strong demand for electronic products and farm produce.
Despite robust export performance, July recorded a trade deficit of US$3.6 billion due to a surge in imports of raw materials, capital goods, and machinery, compounded by rising global oil prices.
Key drivers of export growth included the technology supply chain, digital infrastructure products (like computers and smartphones), and primary farm products such as rubber, rice, and processed seafood.
The Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO) forecasts continued export expansion, particularly in AI-related products, but warns of potential obstacles from the Middle East situation and US tariff measures.

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.