The Foundation for the Promotion of Academic Olympics and the Development of Science Education Standards in the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana Krom Luang Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra (Sor Wan FoundationFEAT.Ubon Ratchathani University and Ubon Ratchathani ProvinceHeld the second press conference announcing Thailand's readiness to host.Middle School International Astronomy and Astrophysics OlympiadThe 5th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Junior (IOAA-jr 2026), which is scheduled to take place from November 1-8, 2026 in Ubon Ratchathani province, with junior high school students from 25 countries from around the world participating in the Academic Competence Contest.
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The second press conference was chaired by Ms. Ploy Thanikul, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Education, who welcomed and opened the press conference with Professor Emeritus Dr. Charatsuwan, Vice President of the Soruan Foundation, Associate Professor Boonsong Sunthorntham, Chairman of the Department of Astronomy, Soruan Foundation, Associate Professor Dr. Chutinan Prasitphuripreecha, President and Professor Dr. Siriporn Jungsutthiwong, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani University, who contributed to the press conference at the Mandarin Hotel, Mannage Buy.Center Point Samyan, Bangkok on September 24, 2026.
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Ms. Ploy Thanikul, Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Education, said that being honored to be the hostIOAA-jr 2026It is an important opportunity to showcase the potential of Thai science education and provide a platform to spark interest in astronomy for young people. The Ministry of Education aims to make this forum more than just a knowledge test, but a space for young people to practice their thinking skills, analyze problems, solve problems, and exchange learning with foreign friends in order to extend the experience to the future development of themselves and society.
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Professor Emeritus Dr. Charatsuwanat, Vice President of Sor Wan Foundation Regarding the importance of the event, the competition was held in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Vice President of the Sorun Foundation. On the occasion of his 72nd birthday on 2 April 2027, he has been gracious in continuing to promote the scientific potential of Thai youth.
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ทั้งนี้ ได้รับพระมหากรุณาธิคุณจาก สมเด็จพระกนิษฐาธิราชเจ้า กรมสมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดาฯ สยามบรมราชกุมารี มีกำหนดเสด็จพระราชดำเนินทอดพระเนตรดาวเป็นการส่วนพระองค์ ในวันที่ 1 พฤศจิกายน 2569 และทรงเป็นองค์ประธานในพิธีเปิดการแข่งขันอย่างเป็นทางการ ในวันที่ 2 พฤศจิกายน 2569 โดยมีหน่วยงานเจ้าภาพร่วมสนับสนุน ได้แก่ กระทรวงศึกษาธิการ, กระทรวงการอุดมศึกษา วิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัยและนวัตกรรม (อว.), สถาบันวิจัยดาราศาสตร์แห่งชาติ (องค์การมหาชน) หรือ NARIT, Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT)
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Associate Professor Boonraksa Sunthorntham, Chair of Astronomy Department, SorNorNorNorNorNor Foundation Referring to the background and academic readiness, Thailand has a continuous experience of hosting the Astronomical Olympics, from hosting the first high school IOAA in 2007 in Chiang Mai to the junior high stage that started its first competition in 2022 in Romania. Being entrusted with this year's event in 2026 reinforces Thailand's standards and expertise.
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The competition is divided into two main sections: the theoretical examination that focuses on the analytical and application skills of physics-obstomy knowledge, and the observation examination, which is supported by telescopes, observation equipment, and expert personnel from NARIT, as well as providing a backup planetarium system in case of inclement weather in order to maintain the highest standards and justice.
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Regarding area readiness, Associate Professor Dr. Chutinan Prasitphuripreecha, President stated that Ubon Ratchathani University, in collaboration with Ubon Ratchathani Province, provides comprehensive preparation for competition venues, accommodation, transportation systems, as well as security and health care measures in close coordination with the security department, provincial health offices, and local hospitals.
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Prof. Dr. Siriporn Jungsutthiwong, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Chairman of the Steering Committee, added that in addition to academic competitions, there are also exhibitions celebrating science and technology, the work of the Soran Foundation. Including activities to spread Thai-Isan identity and culture such as Pha Taem National Park excursions, prehistoric color paintings, candle making experiments, wearing Thai costumes, and experiencing the local food culture.
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Organizing the IOAA-jr 2026 is therefore both an international academic platform and an important opportunity to enhance astronomical networks, build friendships without borders, as well as drive soft power and spread the potential of Ubon Ratchathani province to the international eye.
Corporate Communications, Ubon Ratchathani University/News
