Deputy Education Minister Akkaranat Kankakit presided over the opening of the 25th National Science and Mathematics in Schools Academic Conference (STEM 25) on July 24, 2569, at Rajabhat Rajchanakit University in Chachoengsao Province. The conference theme, "Green STEM Education for Global Sustainability: Integration and Innovation," reflects a shift in Thai education toward embedding environmental problem-solving into science and math instruction.

Akkaranat emphasized that Green STEM goes beyond a mere theme—it represents a fundamental approach to integrating real-world environmental challenges into teaching to build life skills rather than focusing solely on test scores. He highlighted that AI technology should be viewed not as a threat but as a tool enabling teachers to design more precise and effective personalized learning experiences.

The ministry is backing this initiative through three key policies: reducing administrative burdens to free up classroom time for teachers, sustaining teacher development through Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and elevating science and math education to international standards to improve Thai students' PISA assessment scores.

"I wish to honor the role of every teacher, because every hour in the classroom and every question that inspires children to think critically is the most worthwhile investment in the nation's future," Akkaranat stated. "Teachers are the foundation for developing scientists, engineers, and innovators who will lead Thailand toward sustainability."

The deputy minister presented "Model Teacher" awards to nine educators and toured exhibitions showcasing student and graduate work, including innovations in coding and AI, e-waste metal extraction research, and electric vehicle conversion technology for used trucks. Director Theeradej Chearsukchumroon of the Institute for Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) noted the conference serves as a collaborative platform for educators to exchange knowledge, present research, and develop science, mathematics, and technology innovations together.

Vision problems in children are a concern parents should not overlook, as many children may struggle to articulate that they see blurrily, have blurry vision, or experience eye fatigue. Starting glasses is not determined by age alone, but rather by eye examination results, visual behavior, and recommendations from eye care specialists.

During childhood when the visual system is still developing, glasses can play a crucial role in vision, learning, and overall child development (AAPOS).

Signs that a child may need an eye exam

Certain behaviors may indicate your child is having vision problems, including squinting while reading or looking at boards, sitting unusually close to the TV, tilting the head while looking, frequent eye rubbing, complaining of headaches after reading, or reluctance to do vision-dependent activities. If you observe these signs, take your child for a thorough eye examination to assess whether they have myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, strabismus, or amblyopia.

A common parental concern: "Will wearing glasses early make my child's eyesight worse?"

The answer is not necessarily. Wearing properly prescribed glasses does not worsen a child's vision; rather, it provides clear vision, reduces eye strain, and in some cases supports normal visual development. If a child receives glasses but fails to wear them as recommended, it may affect vision quality, especially in young children whose visual system is still developing (AAPOS).

Generally, children should start wearing glasses once an eye examination confirms that their refractive error or visual condition requires correction—whether at age two, five, or school age. What matters is choosing a lightweight, durable frame that fits well without pressing on the nose or ears, with lenses suited to the child's activities, such as impact-resistant lenses or anti-reflective lenses for children who use screens frequently.

Summary

For parents seeking quality glasses for their child, selecting frames from a standards-compliant store with eye care professionals is important. Opticland prioritizes eye measurement, lens selection, and frame fitting to ensure children wear comfortably, see clearly, and are ready to learn every day.

Early observation of your child and taking them for an eye exam when abnormalities appear are the foundation of good eye care. Appropriate glasses are not merely a vision aid; they enable children to live, learn, play, and grow with greater confidence.

The Bank of Thailand has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore's Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to enhance cooperation on cybersecurity safeguards and digital financial fraud prevention. Bank of Thailand Governor Vithaya Rattanakorn stated that the MoU underscores the importance of regulatory collaboration amid an increasingly interconnected global financial ecosystem, where cyber risks and digital financial crime threats are growing more sophisticated and challenging. Both central banks will collaborate on exchanging information, knowledge, and regulatory practices; monitoring emerging threats; developing personnel capabilities; and strengthening their ability to prevent and respond to these risks effectively and promptly.

Rattanakorn noted that as interconnected financial systems and rapid technological advances create conditions for more complex and severe cyber and digital fraud threats, the cooperation between the Bank of Thailand and Singapore's central bank will enhance both countries' readiness to combat these new threats efficiently and reflects a shared commitment to building a stable, secure financial ecosystem prepared for change.

Singapore's Monetary Authority Governor Chia Der Jiun stated that cyber threats and digital financial fraud are intensifying with cross-border impacts. Strengthening cooperation between regulators with shared goals of maintaining security and confidence in digital financial systems will enable timely information sharing and build collective capacity to prevent and respond to threats effectively.

The book "Buddhist Lay Practitioner's Guide to Chanting and Dharma Teaching: A Path to Peace" is a comprehensive prayer manual with full Thai translations of all chants, designed for Buddhist devotees of all levels including monks, novices, laypeople, and the general public. By understanding the Pali and Buddhist principles through the translations, practitioners can develop deeper concentration and wisdom during practice. As recommended by Dhammatan Foundation at Mokkhaplarama Forest Monastery, "When chanting, contemplate the meaning of each verse. The translations help generate both joy and meditative concentration, leading to wisdom." The article also reviews two other recent Buddhist books: "Chanting Rituals with Translations" (40 baht) by Phra Rajvajjarangsee, a popular manual with well-organized chanting sequences for auspicious and inauspicious occasions, and "A Guide to Ancient Lanna Art" by Professor Sakshai Saisingham, which explores the rich artistic and cultural heritage of eight northern Thai provinces including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, and Lampang.

On Thursday, July 16, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs organized a grand multi-faith religious ceremony to offer blessings to His Majesty the King on the occasion of his birthday on July 28. The event was chaired by Sabeeda Thai-sae, Minister of Culture, and was attended by Prasop Riang-ngern, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Chaiyapol Sukiam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, ministry executives, and leaders from all five religions, along with partner agencies and staff at the National Art Gallery in Bangkok's Huay Khwang district.

The ceremony marks an important occasion when Thai citizens express their loyalty and gratitude toward His Majesty the King, who has dedicated his reign to the welfare of the people and has equally supported and promoted all religions in Thailand throughout his reign. This has fostered harmony and unity among people of all faiths, which serves as a foundation for Thai society.

The Ministry of Culture, through the Department of Religious Affairs and in partnership with religious organizations, organized the multi-faith blessing ceremony both at the central and regional levels. Religious leaders, believers, and people from all five religions—Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Brahminism-Hinduism, and Sikhism—participated in religious ceremonies according to their respective traditions to offer merit and blessings to His Majesty the King and to express their loyalty, harmony, and unity.

The central ceremony featured approximately 500 participants including government representatives, religious leaders from all five religions, believers, and members of the public at the National Art Gallery. The ceremony included blessing rituals and religious observances such as Buddhist chanting, Islamic prayers, Christian prayers, Hindu mantras, and Sikh devotional singing. The event also included displays of religious artifacts from all five religions, offering the public an opportunity to learn about the historical and cultural significance of each faith. Community products from religious organizations and cultural performances were also showcased.

For provincial regions, the Department of Religious Affairs requested coordination from provincial cultural offices to work with government agencies, religious organizations, private sectors, temples, and religious institutions to organize multi-faith blessing ceremonies so that believers of all religions could participate in offering merit and blessings to His Majesty the King at appropriate times and locations in their respective provinces. The public, government agencies, private sector, temples, religious institutions, and schools are also encouraged to display portraits of His Majesty the King along with national flags at government buildings, temples, religious institutions, and educational facilities.

The Federation of Thai Industries has reduced its 2026 automotive export forecast by 50,000 units to 900,000 vehicles—a 5.26% decline—bringing overall car production down 3.33% from the previously targeted 1.5 million units to 1.45 million. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, automotive group advisor and spokesman for the Federation, attributed the cut to the prolonged Middle East conflict and U.S. trade restrictions, which have caused Middle Eastern exports to fall 38.35% in the first half of the year. Regional competition from Chinese electric vehicles and tightening emission standards among trading partners have also weighed on prospects.

Despite headwinds in the auto sector, the Federation raised its 2026 motorcycle production target from 2 million to 2.05 million units—a 2.50% increase—with domestic sales forecasts climbing from 1.6 million to 1.65 million vehicles. The motorcycle market benefits from broader global demand and has been shielded from war-related disruptions. Supporting factors include Thailand's economic stimulus program "Thai Helping Thai Plus," rising fuel prices encouraging two-wheeler adoption, and new microfinance schemes expanding consumer credit access.