Faculty members from Khon Kaen University (KKU) played a significant role in the national-level Geography Olympiad, with participating students from the Northeastern regional center achieving notable success by winning 4 bronze medals along with the top award in the Field Work Exercise. The event took place from April 28th to May 3rd, 2025.
Dr. Nattawut Homtong, a lecturer in the Geotechnology Program, Faculty of Technology, Khon Kaen University, was honored to serve as a guest lecturer in Physical Geography. He also held the position of Deputy Head of the Geography Center, Mahasarakham University (Northeastern Region), for the 7th Thailand Geography Olympiad (TGeo). The competition was held at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School in Nakhon Nayok Province, and Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony.
The competition saw the participation of 103 students from 15 Geography Centers under the Project for the Promotion of Science and Mathematics Talented Students (Science and Technology Scholarships Thailand – STST) nationwide. The Mahasarakham University Geography Center team, comprising expert faculty members including:
- Assistant Professor Dr. Jaturong Som-ard, Head of the Team
- Dr. Nattawut Homtong, Deputy Head of the Team
- Associate Professor Dr. Sawitree Rattano-pas Suwanlee
- Mr. Pongsak Sangkhamanee
The team from the Northeastern region demonstrated outstanding capabilities, securing 4 bronze medals and the award for the Highest Overall Score among Regional Centers in the Field Work Exercise (FWE) category. The award-winning students are as follows:
Bronze Medal and Highest Overall Score in Field Work Exercise:
- Mr. Panuwit Un-uan — Surawittayakharn School, Surin Province
Bronze Medals:
- Mr. Suppawit Suks-aad — Sakonrachawittayanukul School, Sakon Nakhon Province
- Mr. Sutak Ruangchaiwut — Khon Kaen Wittayayon School, Khon Kaen Province
- Miss Ploypatsorn Rattanatheerakul — Satit Khon Kaen University School (Secondary Education), Faculty of Education
Certificates of Participation:
- Mr. Phakphum Humda — Matthayom Wanonniwat School, Sakon Nakhon Province
- Mr. Phumiphat Wongsa — Surawittayakharn School, Surin Province
This achievement clearly reflects the potential of youth in the Northeastern region, who have received intensive development under the guidance of faculty members from leading higher education institutions, particularly Dr. Nattawut Homtong. Dr. Nattawut played a crucial role in systematically transferring knowledge and enhancing academic skills, empowering these young individuals to confidently compete on the national stage.
