Applications are open for the second space-exploration scholarship programme in Thailand sponsored by the US embassy, with Thai and foreign students now both eligible.
The programme, Discover Thailand's Astronauts Scholarship, was launched last year. The scholarship will select three students who will be sent to the US Space & Rocket Centre (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama for six days.
The three winners will get to participate in space-exploration exercises and simulations, as well as academic lessons about rocket science, according to USSRC representative in Thailand Krit Kunplin.
He said this year the programme also aims to provide opportunities for those in neighbouring countries since last year's scholarships were only open to Thai students.
It now offers two methods of application. The first, sponsored by the US embassy and King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL), requires applicants to be Thai nationals aged 14-18, Mr Krit said. Seven males and seven females will be selected.
The second method, introduced this year, is seeking seven students of any nationality and gender aged 12-30. According to Mr Krit, the new application process is sponsored by private companies.
US Ambassador to Thailand Glyn T Davies said the programme will help strengthen the bilateral ties between the US and Thailand. US universities are looking for diversity to improve their courses, he said.
"These schools [in the US] compete with each other," Mr Davies said. "Our universities and colleges know that only by bringing in young people from unique backgrounds, will we be able to develop a rich, academic and social environment to make their schools succeed."
After the last day of the application process on Oct 14, the 21 finalists will be subjected to a 100-question space camp aptitude test (Scat).
They will also attend a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem) camp for three days and two nights at KMITL.
Three winners will be selected based on the results of the Scat tests and Stem competitions held at the camp. The US embassy's scholarship programme will choose two winners, one boy and one girl.
The third winner of any gender will be chosen under a private company's scholarship, according to Mr Krit.
They will all then be able to attend the six-day camp at the USSRC.
Last year's runner-up, 17-year-old Chayanis Opassereepadung, said the group shared knowledge and dreams and also challenged norms.
"I asked my friends at the camp what they want to do when they grow up, and apart from saying 'astronauts,' many said they wanted to do jobs that boys normally do."
Teeramet Kunpittaya, 17, who won last year, said the facilities at the space-exploration camp were "amazing".
"Even the bedrooms they provided for us were simulated space-station bedrooms," he said.
"I had the opportunity to meet real astronauts. We could just walk up to them and ask them about anything," he said.
