Thai PM vows a proactive southern security push following Pattani mall attack

10 Sept 20:36 Key points summarised by AI

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged a proactive security approach in Thailand's southern border provinces following a recent Pattani mall bomb attack, instructing integrated police and military operations.
He emphasized shifting from reactive measures, stating security forces must not 'merely remain on the receiving end' and highlighted the necessity of strict law enforcement, even when criticized for being 'one step behind'.
Anutin prioritized public safety, indicating he would not permit official visits to the southern border provinces if such trips diverted security resources from protecting citizens.
The Royal Thai Police confirmed enhanced checkpoints and ongoing investigations, with a deputy commissioner deployed to continuously monitor the security situation in coordination with local agencies.

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.