Bangkok Airways Continues Its Social Sustainability Initiative for the Third Consecutive Year

Chiang Mai / 23 February 2026 – Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited, in collaboration with the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (Public Organization) (NARIT) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), continues its mission to expand equal access to learning through the third edition of the “Even Though We Can’t See the Moon, We Can Still Touch the Stars” project.

The initiative delivers immersive and inclusive astronomy learning experiences for visually impaired students at one of Thailand’s finest stargazing locations, the summit of Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai.

This year’s astronomy learning camp welcomed 51 students and teachers from the School for the Blind and the Blind with Multiple Disabilities in Lopburi Province. Bangkok Airways facilitated their travel to Chiang Mai, where participants took part in specially designed astronomy activities developed by NARIT for visually impaired learners. Throughout the program, the group was supported by the airline’s Blue Volunteers team, who provided close assistance and care to ensure a meaningful experience.

The two-day program began with sensory-based learning at Chiang Mai Zoo through the activity “Sensing the Zoo: Touching Animals, Hearing Real Sounds,” allowing students to explore wildlife through touch and sound. The group then visited the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark, where they engaged in imagination-driven astronomy activities, including a hands-on clay workshop themed “Extraterrestrial Life,” the “Sky in My Hands” experience inside the planetarium, and guided tours of astronomy exhibitions that expanded their understanding of space in creative and accessible ways.

On the second day, participants visited the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at the Huai Hong Khrai Royal Development Study Center in Doi Saket District to learn about radio astronomy. In the afternoon, they continued to Doi Inthanon in Chom Thong District to explore natural phenomena through a hands-on experiment demonstrating changes in air pressure and temperature using snack bags. The day concluded with an immersive nature experience at Wachirathan Waterfall, where students felt the cool mist and spray firsthand.

Before reaching the program’s highlight, the group visited the Princess Sirindhorn 7th Cycle National Observatory, also known as the National Observatory. There, they learned about different types of telescopes and were invited to touch the base of Thailand’s national telescope. At the summit of Doi Inthanon, they explored tactile models of lunar craters and observed Jupiter through a telescope, an inspiring moment set against the cool mountain air, yet filled with warmth through shared learning and opportunity.

Although many participants have limited or no sight and cannot clearly see the night sky, some are still able to perceive the brightness of celestial objects such as stars and planets as small points of light. Combined with tactile exploration, sound-based learning, and imagination, the activities demonstrated that astronomy is not limited to visual perception. It can also deliver knowledge, warmth, and inspiration through experience and connection.

Bangkok Airways places strong emphasis on expanding access to astronomy education for individuals with special needs. The initiative supports inclusive learning, nurtures imagination, and encourages scientific thinking through hands-on experiences. This commitment aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the principle of “Leaving No One Behind,” reflecting the airline’s dedication to advancing social sustainability through inclusive educational opportunities for all.