Parliament President Hails Student Mock Assembly Winners
Parliament President Sophon Saramun awarded winners of a Model Parliament competition designed to teach Thai youth about democratic processes through simulated legislative sessions, with plans for a nationwide championship in 2027.
On August 19, Parliament President Sophon Saramun presided over the awards ceremony for the Model Parliament competition, organized by the House of Representatives Secretariat in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The initiative aims to teach youth about parliamentary systems and democratic skills through simulated legislative sessions.
Sophon expressed delight at the students' performances and praised the quality of this year's competition. He suggested sharing competition footage with members of parliament to showcase the young participants' potential. This year marks a pilot phase; in 2027, a nationwide championship will be held with a prize pool of 500,000 baht. Candidates will be selected intensively from provincial level across all regions to identify talented youth and uncover hidden gems nationwide. The programme's true goal extends beyond prize money—it aims to cultivate a deep spirit of democracy among Thai youth.
Sophon stressed the importance of instilling ideals of patriotism and democracy centred on the monarchy, using the metaphor that one reaps what one sows. Today's event, he said, nurtures quality seedlings to form a solid foundation for the nation, since the next generation will shoulder the responsibility of caring for the country. "I entrust this nation to our youth," he said, "hoping they will inspire others to join the 2027 Model Parliament competition and use prize money for education. I hope to see new parliamentary stars of quality emerge from this platform and take active roles in the nation's politics and democracy."
The competition winners were: Triam Udom Suksa Suvintwongse School (champion, 50,000 baht and certificate), Saint Gabriel School (first runner-up, 30,000 baht), Satri Witthaya School (second runner-up, 20,000 baht), and Learn Satit Phattana School (consolation prize, 10,000 baht and certificate).
The Model Parliament format involves role-playing or simulating parliamentary sessions on bill proposals, which schools select according to interest. Each team receives 20–30 minutes to present, practising debate, reasoning, considering diverse viewpoints, and understanding democratic parliamentary processes.
