The National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has expanded its astronomy outreach by distributing high-quality, locally developed telescopes to 760 schools across all 77 provinces. This 12-year initiative, led by Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, aims to foster scientific literacy by providing students with hands-on tools for celestial observation, research, and community-based projects.
How NARIT is Democratizing Astronomy Access
Since its inception in 2015, the project—titled “77 Provinces: Opening the Sky to Astronomy”—has evolved from a tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s 60th birthday into a nationwide educational infrastructure. According to Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, a NARIT board member, the program has reached 760 schools. The equipment provided is a 10-inch Dobsonian reflecting telescope, a model designed and manufactured in collaboration with Thai companies. These instruments are specifically chosen for their durability and ease of use in diverse educational settings, allowing students to observe planets, the moon, and deep-sky objects like nebulae.
Integrating Astronomy into School Curricula
Educators across Thailand are utilizing these telescopes to bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical experience. At Sasanupathum School in Pattani, teachers Nuraisan Waesalae and Kaewaree Attasen explain that the school previously relied on smaller, less capable equipment to help students observe the crescent moon for Islamic religious scheduling, including Eid al-Fitr. With the new high-performance telescopes, they plan to expand their capacity to serve both their students and the wider local community.
In Chiang Mai, Apirak Apiwongngam of Yupparaj Wittayalai School notes that the impact of these tools is long-lasting. Having received a telescope at a previous school a decade ago, he saw firsthand how it fueled student interest in astronomy clubs and independent research projects. He is now applying that same model at his current school to encourage data collection for student-led astronomical research.
Scaling Educational Impact with Technology
The program often complements other technological investments. At Triam Udom Suksa Pattanakarn Udon Thani, teachers Thosaporn Limpairoj and Wiangwilai Panyakul are pairing their new telescope with a mobile planetarium dome acquired in 2025. This multi-layered approach allows them to host comprehensive astronomy weeks that introduce complex space concepts to students and local residents through immersive simulation and direct observation.
Pro Tip: NARIT provides a maintenance guarantee for these telescopes, offering repairs at no cost. This ensures that the equipment remains a permanent fixture in school science programs rather than becoming obsolete due to minor wear and tear.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of telescopes are provided?
NARIT distributes 10-inch Dobsonian reflecting telescopes, which are designed for high performance and ease of use in educational environments. - Can the telescopes be used for research?
Yes. The telescopes are equipped to support digital camera connections, allowing students to record images of celestial objects for school projects. - Is the program limited to nighttime use?
No. The kits include filters and projection devices specifically designed for the safe observation of the sun. - What happens if the equipment breaks?
NARIT offers free repair services for participating schools to ensure the long-term sustainability of the equipment.
Are you an educator interested in bringing astronomy to your school or community? Explore more about the latest developments in science education or share your experiences with school-based research by leaving a comment below.
