press release Chevron supports Songkhla Regional Observatory, carries on with promoting astronomy education
Recently, Songkhla Governor Jessada Jitrat presided over the opening ceremony of the Chevron Building and Multi-Purpose Open Space. In the event, he witnessed Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. hand over 2,739,986.27 baht to the Songkhla Regional Observatory for the Public. The funding contributes to the construction the multipurpose open space and the running of astronomy activities in 2023. Representatives from Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, Songkhla administration officials, and the press attended the opening ceremony.
Jessada Jitrat, Songkhla Governor, said that “Songkhla is a multicultural city and the center of southern education. It accommodates renowned institutions of both basic and higher education, as well as a leading private sector, including Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. The dynamism of private organizations moves Songkhla’s local communities and Thai society as a whole forward in many respects. The province has numerous tourist attractions and educational sites that are nationally and internationally recognized as conforming to ‘MICE City’ and ‘Universal Design’ standards. One example is the Songkhla Regional Observatory, whose knowledge management supports multiculturalism in Songkhla and neighbouring provinces. We are grateful to the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) and Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. for their collaboration in establishing learning resources to offer opportunities to school and university students, teachers, researchers, tourists, the press, and every member of the public.”
Dr. Saran Poshyachinda, Executive Director of the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand, said, “one mission of the National Astronomical Research Institute is to provide public academic services, communicate astronomy to Thai society, support basic and higher education, and build a network of collaboration with government agencies and the private sector in Thailand and abroad. Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. has been a patron of Songkhla Regional Observatory since 2018. The event today was the opening ceremony of the Chevron Building and Multi-Purpose Open Space to facilitate, reinforce safety and serve as facilities for running visitor activities and transiting uphill to the ancient chedi of Wat Khao Rup Chang.”
Chalermchon Wanthong, Director of Songkhla Regional Observatory, said, “Songkhla Regional Observatory is one of the learning sites considered to be destinations for academic tourism. It is conceived by Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with aim of providing opportunities for school and university students and teachers, researchers, the general public, tourists, and the press in southern Thailand to learn about astronomy and space sciences, and Islamic astronomy. Since 1 August 2019, the observatory has welcomed over 540,000 visitors. The continuous support of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. since 2018, amounting to approximately 30 million baht, is greatly appreciated.”
Chatit Huayhongtong, President of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., said that “in supporting and collaborating with Songkhla Regional Observatory, Chevron aims to establish a learning hub for astronomy and Islamic astronomy, with reinforced safety through universal design, and to develop tools to run engaging astronomy activities for young people, schools and university students and teachers, researchers, tourists, and members of the public. Today marks another occasion in which Chevron has provided additional funding, contributing towards constructing the Multi-Purpose Open Space and running astronomy activities in 2023.This contribution is part of our ongoing efforts to support the project and achieve our shared objectives. We are committed to maximizing Songkhla’s potential in its aspirations to become a multicultural city and a hub for education hub in the southern region.”
