The College of Local Administration (COLA), Khon Kaen University, extends its sincere congratulations to the third-year students who brought national acclaim to the university following their significant wins at the MAHANAKORN POLICY PITCH 2026 competition. The contest, held on 31 January 2026 at Kasem Sri Building, Navamindradhiraj University, saw competitors vie for the highly coveted Bangkok Governor’s Honorary Trophy.

This remarkable achievement highlights the potential of COLA KKU’s new generation of policy makers. All five student teams representing COLA advanced to the Final Round and successfully received awards, clearly reflecting the College’s academic strength in urban policy design, public administration, and policy innovation aimed at addressing the challenges of future cities and societies.

The student teams received the following awards:

1) Policy Future Driver Award

• Team Name: Sam Num Nim (สามนุ่มนิ่ม)
• Policy Proposal: Safe-TH (Safe Thailand)
• Members: Mr. Ekkasit Harnchoengchai, Miss Suthinee Laisukhung, Miss Khuntharod Sanitnuan

2) Young Policy Makers’ Popularity Award

• Team Name: Madan Wan (มะดันหวาน) (Major: Urban Management and Urban Technology)
• Policy Proposal: OSM NEW GEN (New Generation Village Health Volunteers)
• Members: Mr. Phuri Arunphum, Mr. Sakda Cherdchu, Mr. Kantapat Mabao

3) Honourable Mention

• Team Name: POWER PUFF GIRLS (Major: Urban Management and Urban Technology)
• Policy Proposal: Right to the City (ที่ยืนในเมืองใหญ่)
• Members: Miss Supitcha Bandasak, Miss Thunthiya Yodpun, Miss Charinthorn Phukhrongnak

4) Honourable Mention

• Team Name: Jeng Tae Mai Jeng (เจ๋งแต่ไม่เจ๊ง) (Major: Governance and Public Affairs Management)
• Policy Proposal: JENG ZONE
• Members: Mr. Khetnarin Burana, Miss Nawarat Saengkla, Miss Thasneeporn Boonnonthae

5) Honourable Mention

• Team Name: SQUARE ROOT
• Policy Proposal: Narrowing the Gap through Digital Welfare City Pathways (ความเหลื่อมล้ำสู่รั้วนำทางเมืองสวัสดิการดิจิทัล)
• Members: Miss Siriyakorn Chokla, Miss Ratanakorn Chasantia, Miss Phitchapha Wongjan

Participation in this national competition reflects the College of Local Administration’s commitment to cultivating analytical thinking, creativity, and policy innovation among its students. It also strengthens academic collaboration and institutional networking at the national level, while reinforcing COLA KKU’s role in producing graduates capable of contributing meaningfully to public policy development and sustainable urban governance in Thailand.