Department of Physical Education Holds 2026 Recreation School Model Awards under “Recreation for All: Creative Spaces, Recreational Lifestyles and a Learning Society”

Thursday, 18 June 2026
Kasatsuk Meeting Room, The Twin Towers Hotel, Pathum Wan District, Bangkok

Mr. Mongkol Wimonrat, Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, assigned Mr. Suthon Wichairat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education, to preside over the 2026 “Recreation School Model” awards ceremony.

Also attending the event were Mr. Surat Charanayothin, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Physical Education; Acting Sub Lt. Pramote Lertchitkarun, Director of the Bureau of Recreation; executives of the Department of Physical Education; representatives from network partners; and administrators from award-winning schools.

The Recreation School Model project, organized continuously by the Bureau of Recreation under the Department of Physical Education, aims to encourage schools nationwide to integrate recreational concepts into school administration and learning management in a concrete and systematic manner.

The initiative covers activity organization, knowledge development, technology application, the creation of learning-friendly environments, and the building of cooperation networks with various sectors both inside and outside schools, including temples, communities and local organizations.

The project seeks to strengthen the efficiency of recreational management systems in schools, promote participation from all sectors, and sustainably improve the quality of life of children and youth through recreational activities. It is also aligned with the Master Plan under the National Strategy on “Sports Potential,” which promotes public access to physical exercise, sports and recreational activities on an inclusive basis.

In 2026, a total of 113 schools applied to take part in the competition. These comprised 24 schools in the Seedling category, 73 schools in the Development category, 11 schools in the Community category and five schools in the Mass Participation category.

The judging panel consisted of seven experts in recreation from universities, learner development activities, the Office of the Basic Education Commission, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and local administrative organizations. The panel reviewed and selected schools in accordance with the Department of Physical Education’s Recreation School Model guidelines and criteria.

A total of 60 schools were selected as 2026 Recreation School Model schools, comprising:

In the Seedling category, eight schools were selected: three gold medal schools, three silver medal schools and two bronze medal schools.

In the Development category, 41 schools were selected: 10 gold medal schools, 13 silver medal schools and 18 bronze medal schools.

In the Community category, eight schools were selected: two gold medal schools, three silver medal schools and two bronze medal schools.

In the Mass Participation category, four schools were selected: two gold medal schools and two silver medal schools.

The event also featured a lecture titled “The Power of Recreation in Creating Spaces, People and Quality of Life,” delivered by Asst. Prof. Dr. Wanatpong Benjapong, as well as a panel discussion titled “Opening Perspectives and Sharing Real Experiences: From Model Schools to Recreational Spaces for Youth.” The discussion featured representatives from gold medal-winning Recreation School Model schools in each school category.

“The Recreation School Model Award is an honorary recognition presented to educational institutions with outstanding performance in effectively and creatively promoting and supporting recreational activities for children and youth. These schools can serve as models in management, well-being promotion and learner development, while also acting as learning hubs that can expand their practices to communities and other educational institutions in a concrete way,” the Director-General of the Department of Physical Education said.

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