Thailand And China To Exchange Knowledge Concerning Astronomy

[Jai Dee]

Thailand and China to exchange knowledge concerning astronomy

Thailand and China has cooperated in exchange of knowledge based on astronomy to foster scientific awareness.

Dr.Saksit Tridet (ศักดิ์สิทธิ ตรีเดช), the Permanent Secretary of Science and Technology Ministry, revealed that China is building a 2.4-meter in diameter telescope at the Lijiang Observatory in Yunnan Province. Thailand is also constructing a telescope of the same size at the National Observatory in Doi Inthanon (ดอยอินทนนท์), Chiang Mai Province.

The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand is responsible for the construction and expects to complete it by the end of 2008. The two new telescopes are considered as biggest in Asia.

The Permanent Secretary also said that Thailand and China will cooperate in fostering scientific awareness via a student-exchanged program. Last year, China has more than 20 scholarships for Thai students, but not so many Thai students have applied as candidates.

Dr.Saksit encourages interested students who have proficiency in English and Chinese languages to contact the Permanent Secretary Office to receive the scholarships.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 February 2007