Eight area students will compete for a language scholarship to Rangsit University in the final round of a national crossword puzzle competition Dec. 14-16.
The high school and college students won their bids to the finals in the Anti-Drugs Thai Language Triathlon by winning the semi-final round Oct. 19-23 at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sriracha.
Organized by the Thai Crossword Puzzle Club, the competition is aimed at developing students’ abilities to read, write and speak Thai correctly. By applying their knowledge and understanding through crossword puzzles, they can better learn and memorize usage and spelling of Thai words, crossword association founder Abhisit Ruenjit said.
The crossword puzzle competition in full swing.
More than 200 people initially started the multi-round crossword competition. The semi-final round was open to 23 qualifiers, but only 16 attended.
Abhisit said the event was also held to honor HM the King’s upcoming birthday. In line with that goal, the “cultural relations camp” during which the semi-finals were held also hosted two speakers who documented part of His Majesty’s legacy.
Longtime royal photographer Nom Pongkanchananukul’s “49 years of Following His Majesty’s Footsteps” presentation covered his years shooting photos of His Majesty’s domestic and international trips.
Officials and competitors, pose for a commemorative photo with guest speakers Nom Pongkanchananukul and Peter Cummins during the culture relation camp activities at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
He said he was given an unobstructed view of HM the King’s interactions with Thai citizens and how he listened to people’s problems and formulated resolutions.
The second speaker, Pattaya Mail contributing writer Peter Cummins, recounted his time spent with His Majesty at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya when HM the King was participating in sailing events. Cummins said he received personal instruction from His Majesty. The writer eventually worked with Pattaya Mail Publishing Managing Director Peter Malhotra to create a book about those events.
