The Secondary Section of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus) achieved outstanding success, earning five Gold Medals and one Silver Medal at the Thailand New Gen Inventors Award 2026 (I-New Gen Award 2026) in the secondary school category, held as part of Thailand Inventors’ Day 2026.
The event was organised by the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and took place at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangna, Bangkok.
The competition was held from 5 to 9 January 2026. The Secondary Section of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus) sent 28 students, comprising six teams, to present their inventions and innovations. The students presented their work to the judging panel in various formats, including onstage pitching, booth presentations, and explaining their projects to visitors throughout the five-day exhibition period.
On 9 January 2026, the NRCT hosted the announcement and presentation ceremony for the invention awards across the secondary school, vocational, and university levels. Dr. Wiparat De-ong, Director of the National Research Council of Thailand, presided over the ceremony, which was filled with pride and cheers from the congratulating attendees.
The award-winning projects developed by students from the Secondary Section of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus) are as follows:
1. Gold Medal Award
Project Title: Integrated Pot Seedling Cultivation Management Machine
Inventors: Ms. Manatsanan Rojpiyatham, Ms. Sureewan Tappsaraphong, Ms. Sasinadda Charupapat, Ms. Kanokkarn Umparut, Ms. Sawitchaya Kongsom-bat, Mr. Kasemsit Panyacharernroj, and Miss Thanchonok Tangtrakool
Advisors: Mr. Chaiyadet Kaewsanga, Mr. Sirichai Tangtrakool, and Ms. Kunthida Thongnam
2. Gold Medal Award
Project Title: Q-WAVES: A Quality Improvement System for Welding using Oscillating and Alternating Magnetic Fields
Inventors: Mr. Wongsakorn Kongsuk, Mr. Jirad Thanomsin, and Ms. Naphason Phokpol
Advisors: Mr. Arongkrot Peeklom and Ms. Kunthida Thongnam
3. Gold Medal Award
Project Title: Siam Cite: Smart Souvenir Innovation derived from Local Soft Power through Artificial Intelligence Application to Promote Creative Tourism
Inventors: Mr. Chawis Phoochaisang, Mr. Phoomjai Piayura, Mr. Kasidis Luechakham, and Mr. Krit Jardrit
Advisors: Ms. Chularat Siyasa, and Mr. Chaiyadet Kaewsanga (Expert Level Teacher)
4. Gold Medal Award
Project Title: Development of an E-San Soft Power Board Game for Youth Education
Inventors: Mr. Kittikawin Akrasimachai, Ms. Rinrada Chamnankul, Ms. Orakanya Yodsatharn, Ms. Thitipaphan Whangsaeng, and Mr. Peem Poonwuthipong
Advisor: Ms. Nimitra Pakarato
5. Gold Medal Award
Project Title: Shabu Board Game
Inventors: Ms. Ploy chompoo Koomsup, Ms. Buraskorn Pomsansri, Ms. Nanthapha Buasri, Ms. Chawanlak Chankhaw, and Ms. Patitta Phunpoka
Advisor: Dr. Suksit Hasamin (Expert Level Teacher)
6. Silver Medal Award
Project Title: Study on the Efficacy of Herbal Effervescent Tablets for Plant Insect Repellent
Inventors: Mr. Kridsana Sirisombat, Mr. Phuritada Huanraluek, Mr. Prem Yingsukwattana, and Mr. Sorawit Thongchan
Advisors: Ms. Ployphailin Sang-aroon and Ms. Chutika Srisawat
Assistant Professor Sarawut Jakpeng, Ph.D., Deputy Dean for Demonstration School and Educational Innovation Development and Acting Director of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus), stated that the school is dedicated to developing students through the design and creation of inventions and innovations. This development integrates learning from both the Demonstration School and the Faculty of Education, covering five core fields: Agriculture and Food, Health and Medicine, Energy, Materials and Biochemicals, and Tourism and Creative Economy.
“The key focus lies in enhancing future skills, including programming, computer technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), coding, robotics, and automation. This process moulds learners to possess creative thinking, systematic reasoning, and problem-solving abilities using computational concepts, aligning with our vision: ‘A leading innovation school that cultivates global citizens’,” said Assistant Professor Sarawut.
He further noted that the learning process emphasises practical application, ranging from developing projects, innovations, robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles to creative products, all based on digital technology. The school aims to promote these works locally and internationally, further developing them into intellectual property, petty patents, and future commercial utilisation.
The success of the students from the Secondary Section of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus) at the Thailand New Gen Inventors Award 2026 not only reflects the creative and innovative potential of Thai youth but also aligns with Khon Kaen University’s strategic direction regarding Academic Excellence and Innovation, and developing a Future-Ready KKU.
Furthermore, this achievement supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in Quality Education (through practical learning), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (through youth-led invention and technology development), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (through projects connecting local wisdom and E-san Soft Power). This success firmly demonstrates Khon Kaen University’s role in cultivating high-quality human resources prepared to drive societal and national sustainable development on both national and international stages.
News: Benjamaporn Mamook
Information/Photos: Secondary Section of the Khon Kaen University Demonstration School (Modindaeng Campus)
