HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presides over the opening ceremony of the 20th Thailand Astronomy Olympiad 2023 (20th TAO)
On 26 May 2023, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the opening ceremony of the 20th Thailand Astronomy Olympiad 2023 (20th TAO) at the PSU International Convention Center. The event, held between 25-31 May 2023 at Hansa JB Hotel and BP Grand Hotel in Hat Yai, Songkhla, was hosted by the Academic Olympic Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, PSU Pattani Campus; the Promotion of Academic Olympiad and Development of Science Education Foundation under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra; and the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, Ministry of Science and Technology. The event was also held in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the birth of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra. The occasion was also commemorated by UNESCO, honoring Her Royal Highness as a world-renowned person, expressing a deep appreciation of His Majesty the King’s benevolence towards the country's scientific education.
PSU President Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradub presented the commencement programs, while Assoc. Prof. Dr. Piniti Ratananukul, Secretary General of the POSN Foundation presented a token of appreciation, and Assoc. Prof. Boonrucksar Soonthornthum respectfully delivered a report about this competition.
In addition, on 25 May 2023 Her Royal Highness proceeded to the Astronomy Learning Center for stargazing and attending an exhibition on the history of hosting the 11th International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad at the Preclinical Building, Faculty of Science and Technology, PSU Pattani Campus. Her Royal Highness was accompanied by Mrs. Fatimoh Sadiyamu, Pattani Governor; Asst. Prof. Dr. Niwat Keawpradup, PSU President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kannika Sahakaro, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology, and university administrators attending the reception.
The 20th Thailand Astronomy Olympiad 2023 aims to select junior and high school students to represent Thailand in participating in the International Astronomy Olympiad and the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Competition in 2023. The event also serves as a venue for giving young people the opportunity to demonstrate their intellectual abilities and develop their potential, creating a stimulating academic atmosphere, promoting the teaching and learning of astronomy to youth and general academics, leading to the development of the curriculum, teaching and research systems to enhance academic progress.
A total of 12 POSN Foundation Centers participated in this competition, bringing together 66 junior high school students, 62 high school students, 32 supervisors, and 18 observers. The competition included theory, data analysis and observation via onsite exams during daytime, and the examination of stars during nighttime.