Bangkok, Thailand, October 8, 2024 / TRAVELINDEX / The first national final of F1 in Schools Thailand 2024 recently kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony at True Digital Park, marking a significant milestone for the country's education and motorsport landscape. Mr. Phoothorn Chanthahong Poonyacharatthamrong, Ph.D. (4th from left), Assistant to the Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) at the Ministry of Education, presided over the opening ceremony. Hosting the event was Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay (5th from left), CEO and President of 1 Action Education Co., Ltd. and the Kaew Chakraphad Foundation, and the official Thai partner of F1 in Schools. The two-day national final featured over 30 teams of young students (aged 7 to 18) from schools throughout Thailand, as well as 4 teams from Hong Kong and Macau, who demonstrated their skills in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Group photo (from left): Mr. Robert Ortiz, Country Coordinator of F1 in Schools Thailand; Ms. Rommuk Piachan, Trueplookpanya; Mr. Praparnpong Maknuan, Head of Trueplookpanya; Mr. Phoothorn Chanthahong Poonyacharartthamrong, Ph.D.; Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay; Mr. Chusak Janthayanond, President of the Autistic Thai Foundation; Mr. William McKeown, Head of Technical Acceptance, F1 in Schools; and Ms. Chutikarn Lertchai, Co-Promotion & Loyalty Program Manager, B-Quick.

Mr. Phoonthorn Chanthahong Poonyacharartthamron said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony: “I am pleased to inform you that the objective of the F1 in Schools program aligns well with OBEC’s ambition to promote basic education from primary to secondary levels and to fully embrace the concept of active learning, which the Department of Education is actively pursuing.”

“I am confident that the F1 in Schools Thailand learning program and the national final will serve as a catalyst for the expansion of STEM education in Thailand and will inspire more young people to seriously engage with subjects that are crucial for the present and the future,” he added.

Dr. John Chakraphad Pitakthararuay explained: “Today we are not only celebrating the competition, but also showcasing outstanding engineering, teamwork, and ingenuity – all core characteristics of this extraordinary event. I am delighted to announce that this year’s event is an environmentally friendly celebration of innovation. All materials used in the competition, including the race cars and trophies, are 3D printed from biodegradable PLA. This shift not only highlights the technological advancements available to us, but also underscores the importance of sustainability in modern engineering and manufacturing.”

The highlight of the opening ceremony was a spectacular dance performance by students from Amnuay Silpa School. This same school had previously represented Thailand at the F1 in Schools World Final.

Among the 45 trophies awarded, the “Starpoint Racing” team from Bangkok Patana School won the title of “Overall Winner” (Development Stage); and the “Sugarraze” team, consisting of two of the youngest members, won, among other titles, “Overall Winner” (Beginner Stage).

On the second day, Mr. Pasin Lathouras, the famous Thai racing driver who won the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific Championship in 2013 and the title at the 24 Hours of Spa in 2015, and who is also the deputy CEO of the world-renowned family business NaRaYa, also participated to present awards to several winning teams.

There are currently three F1 in Schools Thailand learning centers (KX Tower in Sathorn, Zeer Rangsit, and Ladkrabang 54 Villa). For more information, contact F1 in Schools Thailand at +46 632 583580 – Follow us on Facebook: F1inSchoolsThailand