Two Thai high school students have brought pride to the nation after their invention was honoured internationally and nationally within the same month.
The Future of Good Life project, led by Marc Sithsakorn Jantrakul of Ruamrudee International School (RIS), Bangkok, together with Win (Chaiyanat Kuptivej) of Bangkok Patana School, received top honours at the 10th International Invention Innovation Competition (iCAN 2025) in Toronto, Canada, on 30 August 2025. Their device, RiceSense, impressed international judges and earned the Gold Medal, the Organiser’s Choice Award, the Certificate of Excellence, and a Special Award from the Korea University Invention Association.
On 23 September 2025, the two students were again recognised in Thailand when they received the Prime Minister’s Digital Award 2025 – Digital Youth of the Year (Merit Award). The national honour highlights the impact of their project in using digital technology to support sustainable farming practices.
RiceSense is a low-cost, portable device that uses digital sensors and cloud-based data submission to help farmers measure water levels in rice fields. Designed as an affordable and farmer-friendly alternative to complex IoT systems, it enables more farmers to adopt low-carbon rice farming methods.
Marc, who hopes to pursue computer science or computer engineering at university, said the awards mark an important milestone for Thai youth-led innovation. “Being recognised both internationally and nationally in the same month is incredible,” Marc said. “These honours show that students in Thailand can create real solutions for farmers, for the environment, and for the country’s future.”
Both Marc and Win have also been nominated by the Thai government to represent Thailand at the World Food Forum Youth Representatives Programme in Rome this October, where they will present their project to global leaders.
The awards were presented by Dr Jakkanit Kananurak, Vice President, Digital Manpower Development and Promotion Department, Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA).
The back-to-back recognition abroad and at home, combined with the upcoming World Food Forum, underscores how Thai youth are combining engineering, coding, and innovation to drive sustainable agriculture and contribute to global solutions.
