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{{Infobox scientist
{{Infobox scientist
|box_width = 290px
| name = Shaiwatna Kupratakul
|name = Shaiwatna Kupratakul
| image =
|image = Shaikuptt.jpg
| caption =
| nationality = Thai
|caption = Shaiwatna Kupratakul, 2002
|birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1940|9|20}}
| birth_date = {{birth date|df=yes|1940|9|20}}
|birth_place = [[Nakhon Ratchasima]], [[Thailand]]
| birth_place = [[Nakhon Ratchasima]], Thailand
| footnotes = <!-- for any footnotes needed to clarify entries above -->
|Occupation = [[Physics]], [[Scientist]], [[Educator]], [[Writer]], [[Translator]], [[Columsnist]], [[Science communication]], [[producer and host of radio and television programmes]].
|Nationality = Thai
|Pen names = Shaikupt
|footnotes = <!-- for any footnotes needed to clarify entries above -->
}}
}}


'''Shaiwatna Kupratakul''' is a [[Thai]] theoretical physicist. He is known by profession and contribution as a [[scientist]], [[educator]], [[writer]], [[translator]], columsnist, science communication, producer and host of radio and television programmes. This lifelong dedication is on science communication and the propularigation of science through writing, radio and television media and public speaking (twice nominated for [[UNESCO]]’S [[Kalinga Prize]] by [[UNESCO]][[Thailand]] in 1981 and 2004). <ref>THE THAI NATIONAL COMMISSION FOR UNESCO, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION. (HTTP://WWW.BIC.MOC.GO.TH)</ref>
'''Shaiwatna Kupratakul''' is a Thai theoretical physicist. He is a scientist, educator, writer, translator, columnist, science communicator, producer and host of radio and television programmes. He focuses on [[science communication]] and the popularization of science through writing, radio and television media and public speaking. Kupratakul was nominated twice for the [[UNESCO]] [[Kalinga Prize]] in 1981 and 2004.<ref>[http://www.bic.moe.go.th/ The Thai National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Education.]</ref>


==Biography==
His works on science communication, writing and translation have received several awards, prizes and recognition.
Kupratakul was born to Sheng Hiang, an herb doctor, and Siew Tiang, in [[Nakhon Ratchasima]], Thailand, on 20 September 1940. He received his primary education (Prathom 1-Prathom 6, 1949–1953) at Tesbaln 1 School (Boorapa Vidhakorn) and his secondary education (Mathayom 1-Mathayom 8, 1953–1961) at Ratchasima Vidhyalai School, both in Nakhon Ratchasima. He attended [[Chulalongkorn University]] at the Faculty of Science for one-and-a-half years, from 1961–1962. In 1962, Kupratakul won a Columbo Plan scholarship, from the Australian Government, to study physics in Australia. He graduated with a [[Bachelor of Science|BSc]] (Honours) in Physics from [[Monash University]] in 1966, and a [[Doctor of Philosophy|PhD]] (Physics), also from Monash University, in 1970.


After returning from [[Australia]] in 1970, with a Ph.D. in Physics from [[Monash University]], Shaiwatna Kupratakul has committed himself continuously as a lecturer, university administrator, educational development project committee or leader, writing of non-fiction and fiction works (especially on science) with the major aim of arming the people with wisdom to fight scientific ignorance and superstition. His most cherished memories were the meetings with Isaac Asimov (at New York in November, 1977) and Arthur C. Clarke (at [[Columbo]], [[Sri Lanka]], in February, 1980). [[Isaac Asimov]] and [[Arthur C. Clarke]] are two of the three people on earth which Shaiwatna Kupratakul wish most to meet personally, the third person is Einstein. Shaiwatna Kupratakul did visit Princeton, [[Einstein]]’s last residence in 1977. His science writing were insprired by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Jules Verne, H.C. Wells and Juntri Siriboonrod (จักรี ศิริบุญรอด); the last of which was proclaimed “Father of Thai Science Fiction.”
Since returning to Thailand, Kupratakul has worked as a lecturer, university administrator, and educational development project committee member or leader. He has also written non-fiction and fiction works with the aim of educating people in the area of science. He met Isaac Asimov in New York in November 1977, and Arthur C. Clarke at [[Colombo]], Sri Lanka, in February 1980. In 1977, Kupratakul visited Princeton, [[Albert Einstein]]'s last residence. His science writing is inspired by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Jules Verne, H.C. Wells and Juntri Siriboonrod (จันตรี ศิริบุญรอด); the last of whom was proclaimed "Father of Thai Science Fiction."{{Citation needed|date=June 2016}}


Shaiwatna Kupratakul started his career as a lecturer at Khon Kaen University in 1970, novel to Srinakharinwirot University (Prasarnmit, in 1982 He early-retired from Srinakharinwirot to give special lectines and talks at several universities,) schools and for the public, write articles and science fiction (both short science stories and science novels), host radio and television programmes, serve as committee members of several academic and national Councils.
Kupratakul worked in the Department of Physics, first at [[Khon Kaen University]] from 1970–1982, and then at [[Srinakharinwirot University]] (Prasarnmit) from 1982–1999. He retired in 1999, but continues to give talks at universities, schools and for the public. He also write articles and science fiction (both short science stories and science novels), hosts radio and television programmes, and serves as a committee member of several academic and national Councils.
Shaiwatna Kupratakul married Shusri Chulusthira in 1968, having a son (Juckrich) and a daughter (Chollada) He remarried Sansiri Chairat in 1999.


Kupratakul married Shusri Chulusthira in 1968. They have a son (Juckrich) and a daughter (Chollada). He remarried Sansiri Chairat in 1999.
==Biography==
Shaiwatna Kupratakul was born to sheng Thiang, a herb doctor, and Sien Tiang, at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on 20 September 1940. He received this primary education (Prathom 1-Prathom 6 during 1949-1953) at Tesbaln 1 (Boorapa Vidhakorn) School and secondary education (Mathayom 1-Mathayom 8 buring 1953-1961) at Ratchasima Vidtrayala School, both in Nakhon Ratchasima. He attended Chulalongkorn University at the Faculty of Science for one and a half-year, during 1961-1962. In 1962, he won a Columbo scholarship, from Australian Government, to study physics in Australia. He graduated with a B.S.c. (Honours) in Physics, from Monash University, in 1966, and a Ph.D. (Physics), also from Monash University, in 1970.
[[Image:Shaikubtt2.jpg|thumb|right|Shaiwatna Kupratakul 1999]]


===Administrative duties===
Kupratakul's administrative duties have included:


*Head of Department of Physics, Khon Kaen University, during 1970–1976 and 1978–1982.
===Employment===
##Lecturer at Department of Physics, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand, during 1970-1982
*Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, during 1974–1978.
##Lecturer at Department of Physics, Srinakharinwirot University (Prasammit), Bangkok, Thailand, during 1982-1999.
*Head of Department of Physics, Srinakharinwirot (Prasammit), during 1983–1985.
*Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwiot University, during 1983–1985.
##Retiree (since October 1, 1999)

===Administrative duties===
##Head of Department of Physics, Khon Kaen University, during 1970-1976 and 1978-1982.
##Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, during 1974-1978.
##Head of Department of Physics, Srinakharinwirot (Prasammit), during 1983-1985.
##Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwiot University, during 1983-1985.


===Professional appointments and activities===
===Professional appointments and activities===
Kupratakul has also participated in the following activities:
##Assistant Professor of Physics, during 1974-1981
##Associate Professor of Physics, since 1981.
##Executive Committee Member, Asian Physical Society, (APSO), 1979.
##Vice-President, Asian Science Communicators Organization, (ASCO), 1980.
##Member, the Science Society of Thailand, since 1972.
##Member, the Writers’ Association of Thailand, since 1976.
##Member, P.E.N. International Thailand Center, since 1976.
##Chairmean, Science Writers’ and Publishers’ Group of Thailand, 1984.
##Executive Board Member, National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003. <ref>HTTP://WWW.NRCT.NET</ref>
##Chairman, Physical Science and Mathematical Branch, the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003.<ref>IBID.</ref>


*Assistant Professor of Physics, during 1974–1981
==Publication==
*Associate Professor of Physics, since 1981.
[[Image:Shaikubtt3.jpg|thumb|right|Shaiwatna Kupratakul 2005]]
*Executive committee member, Asian Physical Society, (APSO), 1979.
*Vice-President, Asian Science Communicators Organization, (ASCO), 1980.
*Member, the Science Society of Thailand, since 1972.
*Member, the Writers’ Association of Thailand, since 1976.
*Member, P.E.N. International Thailand Center, since 1976.
*Chairman, Science Writers’ and Publishers’ Group of Thailand, 1984.
*Executive board member, National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003.<ref name="NRCT">{{cite web |url=http://nrct.net |title=NRCT :: National Research Council of Thailand |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020923060041/http://nrct.net/ |archivedate=23 September 2002 |accessdate=6 June 2016 }}</ref>
*Chairman, Physical Science and Mathematical Branch, the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003.<ref name="NRCT"/>
*Committee member, Academic University Council, [[Rajabhat University system|Rajabhat University]] Nakhon Ratchasima, 2005–2008.<ref>[http://www.nrru.ac.th/ มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏนครราชสีมา]</ref>


===Nature of publication===
===Publication===
Writer, editor, columnist, and translator of science and non-science, fiction and non-fiction articles, essays, short stories, novels and books for young and general readers including textbooks on physics and physical science. Altogether, more than 100 books, written or translated, have been published.
Kupratakul wrote, edited, and translated in a variety of formats including articles, essays, short stories, novels and textbooks. He wrote on both science and non-science subjects for audiences of all ages. More than 100 books, written or translated, have been published. Kupratakul has also published under the pen names of Shaikupt, Tachyon, Watanachai, and Sriwat.


===Sources of publication===
==Radio and television==
Kupratakul has hosted, produced, or served as commentator for several radio programmes, in Khon Kaen (1970–1982) and in Bangkok (since 1982). These programmes were usually focused on science communication and involved direct interaction with audiences.


Examples of the radio programs are: ''Science and You'' (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), ''Life and Universe'' (ชีวิตกับจักรวาล), ''Life and Science'' (ชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), ''Colorful Life With Science'' (สีสันชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), ''Scientific Wisdom'' (ภูมิปัญญากับวิทยาศาสตร์), ''For the Future'' (สาระเพื่ออนาคต).
Since 1970, articles, essays, features, columns, short stories and novels by Shaiwatna Kupratakuln (also under pen names of Shaikupt, Tachyon, Watanachai, Sriwat, etc.) have appeared in the following, partial list of newspapers and magazines.
##Newspapers.
###Kom Chad Luek. (คม ชัด ลึก)
###Bangkok Business News. (กรุงเทพธุรกิจ)
###Daily News. (เดลินิวส์)
###Khao Sod. (ข่าวสด)
###Siam Rath. (สยามรัฐ)
###Bangkok Post.
##Magazines.
###Asiaweek. (weekly)
###Tengara.
###Science. (วิทยาศาสตร์) (monthly)
###Update. (อัพเดท) (monthly)
###Sarakadee. (สารคดี) (monthly)
###Kullastree. (กุลสตรี) (fortnightly)
###Chaipueksa. (ชัยพฤกษ์) (monthly)
###Mother and Child. (แม่และเด็ก) (monthly)
###Satree Sarn. (สตรีสาน) (weekly)
###Book World. (โลกหนังสือ) (monthly)
###Chao Krung. (ชาวกรุง) (monthly)


On television, Kupratakul has hosted, co-hosted, or produced programmes at [[Khon Kaen]] national television station (Channel 5 Khon Kaen), 1970–1982, and in Bangkok starting in 1982.{{Update inline|date=May 2016}}. These television appearances are also focused on communicating and popularizing science to the general public.
===Published books===
A partial list of written or translated or edited books by Shaiwatna Kupratakuln (or pen names), specifically on science, is given as follows.
##Feature or Factual Books.
###From Atom To Universe. (จากอะตอมถึงจักรวาล), 2001.
###88 Good Science Books. (หนังสือดีวิทยาศาสตร์ 88 เล่ม), 2002.
###Science Fiction: Book World And Movies. (นิยายวิทยาศาสตร์: โลกหนังสือและภาพยนตร์), 2002.
###10 World Top Physicists. (10 สุดยอดนักฟิสิกส์โลก), 2002.
###Path To Wisdom. (วิถีแห่งปัญญา), 2002.
###Living In Hi – Tech Age. (อยู่กับโลกยุคไฮ-เทค), 2002.
###A-Z Science Language. (A-Z ภาษาวิทยาศาสตร์), 2002.
###Asteroids And Comets Threaten Earth. (ดาวเคราะห์น้อย+ดาวหางถล่มโลก), 2003.
###Apollo And Conspiracy Theory? (อะพอลโลกับทฤษฎีลวงโลก), 2003.
###The Universe In A Nutshell. (จักรวาลในเปลือกนัท), translated from Stephen Hawking’s book, 2003.
###Talk With Shaiwatna. (คุยกับชัยวัฒน์), 2004.
###Miracle Of Life. (มหัศจรรย์แห่งชีวิต), 2004.
###Space Lift. (ลิฟต์อวกาศ), 2004.
##Fiction.
###Project X. (โปรเจกต์ เอกซ์), novel, 2002.
###Science Fiction Story – Reader, vol. 20, Heyne – Buch, in German, 1983. (Containing a German translation of a short story “The Mission To Earth” by Shaikupt (“จากใจกลางกาแล็กซีสู่โลก” โดย “ชัยคุปต์”)
##Pen Name.
SHAIKUPT (ชัยคุปต์), TACHYON (เตคียอน) WATNACHAI (วัฒนชัย), SRIWATNA (ศรีวัฒน์), (CO-PEN NAME WITH SHUSRI)
Associate Professor Dr.Shaiwatna Kupratakuln.(รศ.ดร.ชัยวัฒน์ คุประตกุล)


Examples of the television programmes hosted by Kupratakul are: ''Science And You'' (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), ''Keeping Up With World Progress'' (ทันโลกก้าวหน้า), ''Science And Life Update'' (ทันโลก ทันชีวิต), ''The Path Of The Future'' (วิถีอนาคต).
==Radio and television==
Shaiwatna Kuppatakuln has been hosting or co-hosting or producing or serving as communitator several radio programmers both in Khon Kaen (during 1970–1982) and in Bangkok (since 1982) The main purpose of most radio programmers are to communicate and popularize science to the general public. Except many short radio programmers (of 2–3 minutes) which have been prerecorded most of the radio programmes are live and interacting with the audiences. Examples of the radio programmes banness are: science and you (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), Life and Universe (ชีวิตกับจักรวาล), Life and Science (ชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), Colorful Life With Science (สีสันชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), Scientific Wisdom (ภูมิปัญญากับวิทยาศาสตร์), For the Future (สาระเพื่ออนาคต) ,etc.


On television, Shaiwatna Kupratakul has also been hosting or co-hosting or producing many television programmes starting at Khon Kaen national television station (Channel 5 Khon Kaen) since about 1970 until 1982 and continued doing so in Bangkok to the present. As in radio programmes, the main purposes of Shaiwatna Kupratakul television activities are on communicating and popularizing science to general public.

Examples of the television programmes hosted by Shaiwatna Kupratakul are : Science And You (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), Keeping Up With World Progres (ทันโลกก้าวหน้า), Science And Life Update (ทันโลก ทันชีวิต), The Path Of The Future (วิถีอนาคต), etc.

Shaiwatna Kupratakul has been a regular guest on radio and television programmes to explain unusual or streamge nature or man-made phenomena and to inform the public on major scientific.
==Research fields==
==Research fields==
Shaiwatna Kupatakul major research interests are on the energy band structures of noble metals, The pressure effects on the energy band structures of noble metals and solar energy. His Ph.D.Thesis is The Eletron Band Structures Colonlatron of Gold By The APW Method “His major Ph.D.works were published as” “Electron Band Struction of Gold”, J Phys.C. (Solid State Physics, 1969,p.&nbsp;1886-1887, with his mentor and co-author, Prof.G.C. Electron Band Structure of Gold”, S.Phays. C. (Solid
Kupatakul's major research interests are the energy band structures of noble metals, the pressure effects of noble metals on the energy of band structures, and solar energy. His Ph.D. thesis was titled, "The Electron Band Structures Calculation of Gold By The APW Method". His Ph.D. research was published in 1969–1970 (see external links).

==Research related to published works==
Short science stories written by Shaiwatna Kupatakul (mostly under the pen name of Shaikupt) have been a research topic carried out by Pornsiri Narkwatchara (พรศิริ นาควัชระ) as part of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Thai, Department of Thai, Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. The thesis entitled “An Analytic Study of Shaikupts Science Fictures (การศึกษาเชิงวิเคราะห์เรื่องสั้นแนววิทยาศาสตร์ของชัยคุปต์) was submitted successfully for the academic year 1999. In the thesis, Pornsiri Narkwatchara band her research on 130 short science stories.


==Awards and prizes==
==Awards and prizes==
Kupatakul has received the following awards and prizes:
[[Image:Shaikubtt4.jpg|thumb|right|Shaiwatna Kupratakul 2008]]
*Outstanding Science Communicator Award for the year 1995 from the Science Society of Thailand Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King.<ref>[http://www.scisoc.or.th/ The Science Society of Thailand Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King]</ref>
*“Surintaraja” Award for the year 2009 from the Translators and Interpreters Association of Thailand (TIAT). An award for outstanding senior translator.<ref>[http://www.thaitiat.com/ The translator and interpreter association of Thailand]</ref>
*The book “Immortal Life” (ชีวิตอมตะ), winner of two consolation prizes for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand) and The National Youth Bureau (Thailand), both in 1982.<ref>[http://www.moe.go.th National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand, 1982]</ref><ref>THE NATIONAL YOUTH BUREAU, THAILAND (NYB)</ref>
*The book “Laser” (เลเซอร์) winner of a consolation prize for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1986.<ref>[http://www.moc.co.th/ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 1986]</ref>
*The book “Amazing Space” (อวกาศมหัศจรรย์), winner of a consolation prize for illustrated book for children, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1997.<ref>[http://www.moc.co.th/ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 1997]</ref>
*The book “Project X” (โปรเจกต์เอกซ์), winner of a consolation prize for novel, National Book Fair (Thailand), 2003.<ref>[http://www.moc.co.th/ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 2003]</ref>


==Honours and recognition==
**Shaiwatna Kupatakul works on science Communication translators, science fact and fiction writings have received severed awards and prizes with some examples given is follows:-
Kupatakuln has received national and international honours and recognition:
**Outstanding Science Communicator Award for the year 1995 from the Science Society of Thailand Under the Patonage of His Majesty the King.
*Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Ratchasima Vidhayalai School, 1997<ref>[http://www.rajsima.ac.th Ratchasima Vidhayalai School, Nakhonratschsima, Thailand]</ref><ref>[[:th:โรงเรียนราชสีมาวิทยาลัย]]</ref>
**“Surintaraja” Award for the year 2009 from the Translators and Interpreters Association of Thailand (TIAT). And award for outstanding senior translator.
*Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Tesabaln 1 (Boorapa Vidhayalai) School, 2005.<ref>[http://www.brk.ac.th/ โรงเรียนเทศบาล 1(บูรพาวิทยากร)]</ref>
**The book “Immortal Life” (ชีวิตอมตะ), winner of two consolation prizes for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand) and The National Youth Burean (Thailand), both in 1982.
*Presenter of a TV spot promoting Thailand National Science Week Events, 2000, broadcast during the month of August 2000.{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}}
**The book “Laser” (เลเซอร์) winner of a consolation prize for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1986.
**The book “Amazing Space” (อวกาศมหัศจรรย์), winner of a consolation prize for illustrated book for children, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1997.
**The book “Project X” (โปรเจกต์เอกซ์), winner of a consolation prize for novel, National Book Fair (Thailand), 2003. Honours and recognition


==Works==
==Honours ans recognition==
* Kupratakuln, S. and G. C. Fletcher (1969) Electron band structure of gold. ''J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys''. '''2''', p.&nbsp;1886-1887.
Shaiwatna Kupatakuln has received severed national and international honours and recognition, some of which are as follow:-
* Kupratakuln, S. (1970) Relativistic electron band structure of gold. ''J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys.'' '''3''', p. S109-S119.
- Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Ratchasima Vidhayalai School as proclaimed in 1997
- Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Tesabaln1 (Boorapa Vidhayalai) School as proclaimed in 2009.
- MARQUIS WHO'S WHO IN THE WORLD, 1980-1981.
- MEN OF ACHIEVEMENT, INTERNATIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL CENTRE, 1983.
- INTERNATIONAL WHO'S WHO OF INTELLEITUALS, INTERNATIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL CENTRE, VOL.5.
- PRESENTER OF A TV SPOT PROMOTING THAILAND NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK EVENTS OF THE YEAR 20000 BROADCASTED ON SEVERAL TELEVISION CHANNELS DURING THE MONTH OF ASGUST, 2000.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Kupratakul, Shaiwatna}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kupratakul, Shaiwatna}}
[[Category:Thai scientists]]
[[Category:Thai physicists|Shaiwatna Kupratakul]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:1940 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Monash University alumni]]

[[Category:Academic staff of Khon Kaen University|Shaiwatna Kupratakul]]
[[th:ชัยวัฒน์ คุประตกุล]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Srinakharinwirot University|Shaiwatna Kupratakul]]
[[Category:Chulalongkorn University alumni|Shaiwatna Kupratakul]]

Latest revision as of 09:49, 9 November 2024

Shaiwatna Kupratakul
Born(1940-09-20)20 September 1940
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
NationalityThai

Shaiwatna Kupratakul is a Thai theoretical physicist. He is a scientist, educator, writer, translator, columnist, science communicator, producer and host of radio and television programmes. He focuses on science communication and the popularization of science through writing, radio and television media and public speaking. Kupratakul was nominated twice for the UNESCO Kalinga Prize in 1981 and 2004.[1]

Biography

[edit]

Kupratakul was born to Sheng Hiang, an herb doctor, and Siew Tiang, in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on 20 September 1940. He received his primary education (Prathom 1-Prathom 6, 1949–1953) at Tesbaln 1 School (Boorapa Vidhakorn) and his secondary education (Mathayom 1-Mathayom 8, 1953–1961) at Ratchasima Vidhyalai School, both in Nakhon Ratchasima. He attended Chulalongkorn University at the Faculty of Science for one-and-a-half years, from 1961–1962. In 1962, Kupratakul won a Columbo Plan scholarship, from the Australian Government, to study physics in Australia. He graduated with a BSc (Honours) in Physics from Monash University in 1966, and a PhD (Physics), also from Monash University, in 1970.

Since returning to Thailand, Kupratakul has worked as a lecturer, university administrator, and educational development project committee member or leader. He has also written non-fiction and fiction works with the aim of educating people in the area of science. He met Isaac Asimov in New York in November 1977, and Arthur C. Clarke at Colombo, Sri Lanka, in February 1980. In 1977, Kupratakul visited Princeton, Albert Einstein's last residence. His science writing is inspired by Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Jules Verne, H.C. Wells and Juntri Siriboonrod (จันตรี ศิริบุญรอด); the last of whom was proclaimed "Father of Thai Science Fiction."[citation needed]

Kupratakul worked in the Department of Physics, first at Khon Kaen University from 1970–1982, and then at Srinakharinwirot University (Prasarnmit) from 1982–1999. He retired in 1999, but continues to give talks at universities, schools and for the public. He also write articles and science fiction (both short science stories and science novels), hosts radio and television programmes, and serves as a committee member of several academic and national Councils.

Kupratakul married Shusri Chulusthira in 1968. They have a son (Juckrich) and a daughter (Chollada). He remarried Sansiri Chairat in 1999.

Administrative duties

[edit]

Kupratakul's administrative duties have included:

  • Head of Department of Physics, Khon Kaen University, during 1970–1976 and 1978–1982.
  • Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, during 1974–1978.
  • Head of Department of Physics, Srinakharinwirot (Prasammit), during 1983–1985.
  • Assistant Dean of Faculty of Science, Srinakharinwiot University, during 1983–1985.

Professional appointments and activities

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Kupratakul has also participated in the following activities:

  • Assistant Professor of Physics, during 1974–1981
  • Associate Professor of Physics, since 1981.
  • Executive committee member, Asian Physical Society, (APSO), 1979.
  • Vice-President, Asian Science Communicators Organization, (ASCO), 1980.
  • Member, the Science Society of Thailand, since 1972.
  • Member, the Writers’ Association of Thailand, since 1976.
  • Member, P.E.N. International Thailand Center, since 1976.
  • Chairman, Science Writers’ and Publishers’ Group of Thailand, 1984.
  • Executive board member, National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003.[2]
  • Chairman, Physical Science and Mathematical Branch, the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, since 2003.[2]
  • Committee member, Academic University Council, Rajabhat University Nakhon Ratchasima, 2005–2008.[3]

Publication

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Kupratakul wrote, edited, and translated in a variety of formats including articles, essays, short stories, novels and textbooks. He wrote on both science and non-science subjects for audiences of all ages. More than 100 books, written or translated, have been published. Kupratakul has also published under the pen names of Shaikupt, Tachyon, Watanachai, and Sriwat.

Radio and television

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Kupratakul has hosted, produced, or served as commentator for several radio programmes, in Khon Kaen (1970–1982) and in Bangkok (since 1982). These programmes were usually focused on science communication and involved direct interaction with audiences.

Examples of the radio programs are: Science and You (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), Life and Universe (ชีวิตกับจักรวาล), Life and Science (ชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), Colorful Life With Science (สีสันชีวิตกับวิทยาศาสตร์), Scientific Wisdom (ภูมิปัญญากับวิทยาศาสตร์), For the Future (สาระเพื่ออนาคต).

On television, Kupratakul has hosted, co-hosted, or produced programmes at Khon Kaen national television station (Channel 5 Khon Kaen), 1970–1982, and in Bangkok starting in 1982.[needs update]. These television appearances are also focused on communicating and popularizing science to the general public.

Examples of the television programmes hosted by Kupratakul are: Science And You (วิทยาศาสตร์และท่าน), Keeping Up With World Progress (ทันโลกก้าวหน้า), Science And Life Update (ทันโลก ทันชีวิต), The Path Of The Future (วิถีอนาคต).

Research fields

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Kupatakul's major research interests are the energy band structures of noble metals, the pressure effects of noble metals on the energy of band structures, and solar energy. His Ph.D. thesis was titled, "The Electron Band Structures Calculation of Gold By The APW Method". His Ph.D. research was published in 1969–1970 (see external links).

Awards and prizes

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Kupatakul has received the following awards and prizes:

  • Outstanding Science Communicator Award for the year 1995 from the Science Society of Thailand Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King.[4]
  • “Surintaraja” Award for the year 2009 from the Translators and Interpreters Association of Thailand (TIAT). An award for outstanding senior translator.[5]
  • The book “Immortal Life” (ชีวิตอมตะ), winner of two consolation prizes for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand) and The National Youth Bureau (Thailand), both in 1982.[6][7]
  • The book “Laser” (เลเซอร์) winner of a consolation prize for non-fiction book for young readers, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1986.[8]
  • The book “Amazing Space” (อวกาศมหัศจรรย์), winner of a consolation prize for illustrated book for children, National Book Fair (Thailand), 1997.[9]
  • The book “Project X” (โปรเจกต์เอกซ์), winner of a consolation prize for novel, National Book Fair (Thailand), 2003.[10]

Honours and recognition

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Kupatakuln has received national and international honours and recognition:

  • Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Ratchasima Vidhayalai School, 1997[11][12]
  • Outstanding alumnus (ศิษย์เก่าดีเด่น) of Tesabaln 1 (Boorapa Vidhayalai) School, 2005.[13]
  • Presenter of a TV spot promoting Thailand National Science Week Events, 2000, broadcast during the month of August 2000.[citation needed]

Works

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  • Kupratakuln, S. and G. C. Fletcher (1969) Electron band structure of gold. J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 2, p. 1886-1887.
  • Kupratakuln, S. (1970) Relativistic electron band structure of gold. J. Phys. C: Solid State Phys. 3, p. S109-S119.

References

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  1. ^ The Thai National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Education.
  2. ^ a b "NRCT :: National Research Council of Thailand". Archived from the original on 23 September 2002. Retrieved 6 June 2016.
  3. ^ มหาวิทยาลัยราชภัฏนครราชสีมา
  4. ^ The Science Society of Thailand Under the Patronage of His Majesty the King
  5. ^ The translator and interpreter association of Thailand
  6. ^ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand, 1982
  7. ^ THE NATIONAL YOUTH BUREAU, THAILAND (NYB)
  8. ^ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 1986
  9. ^ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 1997
  10. ^ National Committee for Book Development, Ministry of Education, Thailand 2003
  11. ^ Ratchasima Vidhayalai School, Nakhonratschsima, Thailand
  12. ^ th:โรงเรียนราชสีมาวิทยาลัย
  13. ^ โรงเรียนเทศบาล 1(บูรพาวิทยากร)
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