HRH Princess Sirindhorn opens astrophysics conference in Phuket
HRH Princess Sirindhorn Chaired the 11th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA) 2017 hosted at the Duangjitt Resort in Patong.
The opening ceremony was arranged for yesterday morning (November 13). A number of Phuket authorities including Phuket’s Governor, the Patong Mayor, Rawai Mayor and the Dean of Prince of Songkla University welcomed HRH Princess at the ceremony.
The IOAA was first held in Chiang Mai in 2007 to celebrate the 80th birthday of HM the Late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and the 84th birthday of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana.
This year, the competition is held from November 12-21 and gathers about 500 high school students alongside their friends and relatives from 46 countries.
“The IOAA is an important annual activity that gives the opportunity to high school students worldwide to show their talents in the field of science. The competition gathers students as well as teachers and academicians who are studying astronomy and astrophysics from almost 50 countries and it is an honour for Thailand to be the host of this year,” said HRH Princess Sirindhorn during the opening speech.
“This is a great opportunity to make Thailand realise about the importance of this academic fields as well as making Thai people interested more about astronomy and astrophysics fields of study. This is also a chance for the students, teachers and academics to exchange their opinions and make connections.”
HRH Princess Sirindhorn later joined the Phuket Marine Biological Centre to watch the stars through telescope.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS: Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani Campus
