PHUKET — 16 July 2026, A nine-year-old boy from Phuket has brought international recognition to Thailand after winning two world championship titles in coding and achieving the World No. 1 ranking at the International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 in Rome, Italy.

Pavin Pattanavekin, known as Pace, who is currently in Grade 3, claimed the Global Champion – 1st Place title and the World No. 1 ranking in two major categories: the Codementum Grand Final (Grades 3–11) and the Codementum International Final, according to True Coding School Phuket.

The Grade 3 pupil competed against students from Grades 3 to 11 to secure both titles. Pace also received a Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Online Coding Exam Worldwide Winners competition, bringing his coding achievements this year to two Global Champion titles (World No. 1), two Global Top 3 Gold Awards and one gold medal.

In the STEM competitions, he won another Global Top 3 Gold Award in the Mathematics Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final, as well as a gold medal in the Science Olympiad (Grades 3–5) Grand Final.

The International STEM Olympiad & Coding Olympiad – Grand Final 2026 is a global platform that brings together young participants from around the world. Organisers said the event attracted participants from more than 153 countries, representing 1,700 schools, more than 2,100 teachers and over 38,000 students.

This achievement builds on Pace's success in 2025, when he won three gold medals at the Coding Olympiad Grand Final in New York City, including a first-place finish in one of the competitions, before going on to claim two world championship titles in 2026.

True Coding School Phuket said Pace's achievements reflected his strengths in computational thinking, coding, logical reasoning and problem-solving, as well as his determination to develop his skills and challenge himself on the international stage while once again bringing recognition to Thailand.

Thailand's jet ski model is advancing national economic benefits through sport development, with WGP#1 spending seven years building intellectual property to become a global game operator and generate comprehensive benefits for Thai athletics. WGP#1 chairman Parikhad Suepsahakarn revealed that the world jet ski championship's opening round in Bulgaria achieved significant sports marketing success, with WGP#1 creating premium content for global audiences. Government officials and local authorities welcomed the event as hosts, marking a new era where Thailand owns a world sport rather than merely sending competitors.

Owning global sports intellectual property, or Thai-Global Sport IP, enables comprehensive Thai sports development including tournament quality, athlete skill development, world-class reputation, and professional international recognition. The strategy generates sports export industries, media prominence, and aims to create 1 billion baht in economic value for Thailand's Pattaya World Cup tournament by 2027. The approach requires building international credibility and recognition among global sports communities, as international athletes traditionally trust European and American standards.

Importing global athletes requires over 3,000 international team members spending an average of 175,000 baht per person, generating substantial foreign currency inflow. Spectators, fans, and sports enthusiasts from the global jet ski community further boost economic returns, demonstrating how the jet ski model transforms a niche sport into substantial national benefit. Thai sports must excel on the world stage and develop intellectual property to build genuine strength.

Western Decor Corporation (WDC), Thailand's leading importer and distributor of premium floor and wall tiles, is advancing its corporate social responsibility mission through the second year of its "Weave Dreams, Share Joy" program under the philosophy "WDC: WE DO CARE because knowledge is care." The initiative brings educational activities and environmental improvements to Ban Khop Dang School and Ban Lan School in Fang District, Chiang Mai Province, demonstrating the company's commitment to creating sustainable educational opportunities and community development.

WDC CEO Bandit Hiranyanidhiwattana stated: "WDC believes that creating good spaces means more than just developing residential areas—it includes creating learning environments and opportunities for children and youth to develop with quality. We are committed to supporting education through collaboration among our organization, schools, and communities via the 'Weave Dreams, Share Joy' project. We also encourage our employees to participate hands-on, share their knowledge, and pass on their experience to children in remote areas. We hope this project will serve as a small catalyst that inspires learning and supports sustainable community growth."

This year, WDC worked with Ban Lan School, a community learning center and vital institution for child and youth development in Fang District, and Ban Khop Dang School, which has received royal patronage and attention for supporting children in remote areas. Throughout the project, WDC provided clothing, blankets, sports equipment, snacks, milk, and essentials to over 700 students. The program included hands-on learning activities such as English language teaching, practical learning experiences, creative thinking development, teamwork skills, and outdoor learning. WDC volunteer employees also improved school facilities by repainting fences and organized sports events including football and volleyball to foster a learning atmosphere, strengthen unity, and build relationships among students, teachers, community members, and company staff.

WDC remains committed to integrating business operations with social value creation under its philosophy "Others see floor, We see MORE," reflecting the belief that every space can create value beyond its primary function when thoughtfully designed and developed—whether for living, working, or learning environments that create opportunities and better futures for people and communities.

The anti-corruption police unit disclosed investigative progress in a civil service recruitment exam fraud case following the arrest of three suspects: Maj. Dr. Phichit Thangprom, director of strategy and budget at Wichian Buri Municipality in Phetchabun Province; Dr. Aswin Chotiphanan, an advisor at Kasetsart University; and Ms. Sataporn Thanphochrokhom, all currently detained by court order.

According to Deputy Commander Pattanasak Bubphasuwhan, initial suspect Phichit has denied all charges and refused cooperation, even declining to answer basic personal questions. However, Dr. Aswin, while also denying involvement, provided useful information by confirming that he and Ms. Sataporn received exam data files from Phichit before forwarding them to individuals at a house in Bang Yai District, Nonthaburi, for alteration. Searches of nine locations yielded no additional key evidence.

Investigators plan to seek approval from their commanding officers to summon 15 people found at the targeted house to hear charges, pending clearance from the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). Authorities also intend to question all approximately 5,000 people who passed the exam and were hired, potentially requesting nationwide police participation. The NACC retains primary responsibility for the main case, though the anti-corruption unit stands ready to provide full support if requested.

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On July 16, 2569, at the Department of Local Administration, Deputy Director Boonprasong Nuan-saiyai announced that investigators will re-examine answer sheets from the 2568 local government exam using flash drive copies, since the original papers are held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). The department will rely on scanned copies of answer sheets and engage neutral committee members to conduct the review. Regarding 3,621 civil servants who were dismissed, officials said their conduct will be reassessed to determine what disciplinary action and salary recovery measures will apply; this group was hired in March 2569. When asked about alleged score manipulation during the oral examination phase where committee members reportedly adjusted marks to help certain candidates pass, Boonprasong said the facts are already under investigation by the NACC, similar to the answer sheet review process.