About
History of the International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO)
Astronomy has been taught in schools worldwide for many years. The International Astronomy Olympiad (IAO) was first held in 1996 in North Caucasus, Russia, with participation from four countries and one observer country.
Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Princess of Naradhiwas, was informed that Thailand had never sent students to compete in the IAO because astronomy was not included in the secondary school curriculum at the time. She initiated efforts to develop Thai students’ knowledge in astronomy. His Majesty King Rama IX, who had a personal interest in astronomy from a young age, supported this initiative and advised that the curriculum should include intensive calculations (astronomical physics) rather than just star observation.
Thailand’s First Participation in IAO
In 2003, the Foundation for the Promotion of Academic Olympiads and Science Education Standards (POSN), in collaboration with the Faculty of Science at Chiang Mai University, launched the Pilot Project for the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad from April 20 – May 4, 2003. This project was supported by POSN physics centers at Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Walailak University, and the Thai Astronomical Society. This led to the establishment of four regional POSN Astronomy Centers:
- Chiang Mai University – Northern Region
- Khon Kaen University – Northeastern Region
- Walailak University – Southern Region
- Thai Astronomical Society – Central, Eastern, Western, and Bangkok Metropolitan Region
The primary goal of these centers was to recruit, train, and select students from across Thailand to compete in international astronomy competitions. In 2004, Thailand sent its first two students to compete in the IAO in Crimea, Ukraine, winning one silver medal. The following year, both junior high (three students) and senior high (two students) levels participated, along with three students in the Asian Astronomy Olympiad. However, from 2007 onwards, Thailand only sent junior high school students (three students) to the IAO, while senior high school students competed in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
The Birth of the IOAA (International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics)
Thailand planned to host the IAO in 2007 to commemorate the 80th birthday of King Rama IX and the 84th birthday of Princess Galyani Vadhana. However, due to challenges in organizing the event under IAO regulations, Thailand initiated a new international competition for high school students, called the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics (IOAA).
This new competition was first established in Thailand with the support of astronomy and physics leaders from multiple countries, including Indonesia, Poland, Hong Kong, and Iran. To prepare for hosting the first IOAA in 2007, Thailand conducted a trial competition in 2006 at Walailak University.
The 1st IOAA was successfully held from November 30 – December 9, 2007, at Chiang Mai University, with 22 participating countries. Thailand’s team won three gold medals and two silver medals, marking a historic achievement in international academic Olympiads.
Thailand hosted the 11th IOAA in 2017 at Prince of Songkla University, Phuket, in celebration of King Rama IX’s 90th birthday anniversary, with 44 countries participating. The Thai team won two gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal.
Admission and Training Schedule
- Application Period: June – July each year
- Selection Exam: August each year
- Result Announcement: September each year
Training Camps
- Camp 1: October (for selected students)
- Camp 2: March (for students who pass Camp 1)
National Astronomy Olympiad Competition
Students from all POSN Astronomy Centers across Thailand compete at the national level.
- 5 junior high school students and 5 senior high school students are selected to represent Thailand in international astronomy competitions.
Direct University Admission Privileges
Universities in Thailand offer special admission privileges to POSN Astronomy students for direct entry into higher education. The details are announced on the POSN website or the websites of participating universities.
