More than 100.000 students did not show up for class with the reopening of schools; students living in rural areas will be able to take advantage of free classes and lessons in almost 90 schools across the country to reduce school drop-outs

Election Commission faces calls to review ballot rules after over one million votes were spoiled in recent elections; winner Pheu Thai Party and opposition groups weren't as distant, raising concerns that invalid ballots affected seat distribution

Risks in ballot transport, counting and certification are a post-vote test for elections: past annulments and court interventions fuel concern among analysts and civil groups; Polls show pro-Thaksin Pheu Thai Party leading, opposition still competitive

5th Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge, connecting Bueng Kan to Bolikhamxay, is now the shortest strategic route linking Thailand, Laos and Vietnam; it helps make Bueng Kan a logistics centre, supports cross-border tourism in the area with a permanent route

Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation