DIPLOMACY Science Ministry gifts three telescopes to Lao students

 VIENTIANE: Thailand has given three telescopes to Laos in a bid to strength educational ties between the two countries, the government says. The handover ceremony took place at Don Chang Palace Hotel, Vientiane, on Thursday. Science and Technology Min ister Pichet Durongkaveroj and Kittichai Wattananikorn, president of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thai land (Narit) met representatives from Laos' Ministry of Science and Technology, the National University of Laos and Phon Sawan School. About 20 science students from Laos also attended. As well as the telescopes, the Thai Sci ence Ministry provided textbooks and other astronomical material. Mr Pichet said Laos and Thailand wanted to encourage more young people to become interested in science rather than entertainment. He hoped exchanges of scientific and technological knowledge would produce more young scientists in both countries. "The number of students studying sci- ence subjects in our two countries has decreased," Mr Pichet said, adding that Thailand would organise a training pro- gramme for Lao Science Ministry officials early next year. Mr Kittichai said more telescopes were also being built for Thai science students, especially those in rural areas. Boviengkham vongdara, science and Technology Minister of Laos, said educa tional cooperation with Thailand was key. "We need to produce more scientists to handle challenging issues such as disaster management more effectively in the future, he said. The Lao students took part in a "Star Party; during which Narit officials showed them how to use the new telescopes.

Credit By : PRANGTHONG JITCHAROENKUL The Bangkok Post