UBON RATCHATHANI, Thailand – Five Thai students won five gold medals and the Best Practical Award at the 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-jr 2026), held from November 1–8, 2026, at Ubon Ratchathani University in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The competition brought together young astronomy and astrophysics students from 25 countries, offering a platform to showcase their scientific knowledge, analytical thinking, and practical skills.
Thailand’s gold medalists were Thuwanan Jinda of Takpittayakhom School, who also received the Best Practical Award; Sippapas Kraisittitada of Burirampittayakhom School; Narawit Khunchu of Saengthong Vitthaya School; Klatham Khotthanawadee of Udonpittayanukoon School; and Archawat Techaveerakorn of Suankularb Wittayalai School.
Assistant Professor Dr. Suwicha Wannawichian of Chiang Mai University led the Thai delegation as Team Leader, and Assistant Professor Dr. Thiranee Khumlumlert of Naresuan University served as Deputy Team Leader. Sakkarin Sarutwitthayakun of Chiang Mai University also participated as an observer.
Hosted in Thailand, the international competition was organized through cooperation among the Promotion of Academic Olympiad and Development of Science Education Foundation (POSN), Ubon Ratchathani University, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT), and Ubon Ratchathani Province. These achievements underscore Thailand’s active participation in international scientific competitions and demonstrate the potential of young Thai learners in astronomy and astrophysics. (NNT)
