BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra congratulated Thailand’s national team for their achievements at the 8th International Scratch Creative Programming Olympiad 2024 in Finland. The competition highlighted young talent in robotics and artificial intelligence programming.
The team, led by Witter Kijwatana Maneerak, Chairman of the Olympiad and the International Human Development Focus Foundation, earned Thailand’s first-ever gold medal in the event. Notably, a seven-year-old participant won a medal, reflecting Thailand’s strong talent across age groups.
The Prime Minister praised the team for their dedication, perseverance, and hard work. She emphasized that their success showcases the nation’s potential and aligns with the government’s vision for Future Industries. These include artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and green energy. She pledged greater support for scholarships and skill development programs to prepare Thailand’s workforce for global investment opportunities.
The Prime Minister also observed a demonstration by the gold medal-winning team, featuring the ROBBO Master 18+ project. This project focused on automotive safety automation and highlighted the high standard of international education achieved by Thai participants.
Award Winners at the Olympiad:
- Kamjorn Yangyuen, Deputy Director of Rapeeleart Wittaya School, Lamphun, won a gold medal in ROBBO Master 18+ at the 8th Olympiad.
- Annop Tangaon, teacher at Trai Pracha Samakee School, Nakhon Sawan, earned a silver medal in ROBBO Master 18+ at the 8th Olympiad and a bronze medal in Scratch Master at the 7th Olympiad.
- Phawin Patanavekin, student at HeadStart International School Phuket, won a silver medal in Scratch Kid — Ages 7–8 — at the 8th Olympiad.
- Pavinee Chaiphak, an independent participant, received a bronze medal in ROBBO Master 18+ at the 7th Olympiad.
- Watcharawit Klinsukhon, a student at Newton Sixth Form School, Bangkok, earned a silver medal in Scratch Teen at the 6th Olympiad.
The government’s continued support for such competitions reflects its commitment to showcasing Thailand’s human capital and innovation on the global stage. These efforts contribute to the country’s economic progress and cultural development. (NNT)
