Master Thanapakorn Thongsri, a Year 9 student (M.3/3) from the Satit Khon Kaen University Secondary School (Faculty of Education), and a representative of the Promotion of Academic Olympiads and Development of Science Education Foundation (POSN) Centre at the Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), achieved international recognition by winning a Silver Medal.
The award was secured at the 4th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA-Jr 2025), held from 18–25 October 2025 in Piatra Neamţ, Romania.
The competition brought together young participants from over 20 countries worldwide to test their international-level knowledge and skills in astronomy and astrophysics. The five-member Thai delegation performed exceptionally, securing prizes for all members, which included two Gold and three Silver medals. Master Thanapakorn Thongsri, representing the KKU POSN Centre, was one of the silver medallists.
Following the competition, Master Thanapakorn Thongsri shared his experience. He first learned about the POSN programme in Year 7 and chose the astronomy track due to his fascination with the mysteries of the sky and his hobby of stargazing. Although he did not qualify as a representative initially, this experience motivated him to develop himself further. In Year 8, he competed in the National Astronomy Olympiad hosted by Chiang Mai University, successfully winning a Gold Medal, which led to his selection as a Thai representative for the international competition.
“To prepare, I practised solving problems from many countries, studied examination structures from various Thai and international forums, and read astronomy textbooks in English. I received guidance from both senior students at the school and lecturers from the KKU POSN Olympiad Centre. I also gained practical experience observing the real sky at the Khon Kaen Provincial Observatory using equipment provided by the KKU Faculty of Education. This hands-on training was a critical strength that allowed me to successfully secure this award,” he stated.
Master Thanapakorn concluded that competing abroad for the first time was challenging, involving pressure and a foreign environment, but the Thai team worked together effectively, making the experience warm and confidence-boosting. He views this prize as the successful result of his continuous efforts and the vital support he received from the senior students at Satit Khon Kaen University School who tutored him from the start. He personally plans to share this experience and knowledge with his junior schoolmates.
This achievement is a great source of pride for the students, executives, faculty members, and parents of Satit Khon Kaen University Secondary School (Faculty of Education), who have promoted, supported, and advanced the holistic development of youth potential. It also reflects the quality of science and technology education management at Khon Kaen University, which is committed to proudly fostering youth capable of succeeding on the international stage.
