CHIANG RAI – On 9 January 2026, the Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai joined school leaders, teachers, students, and families to welcome home the Fine Arts students from Chiang Rai Vocational College at Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai International Airport, the Competing as team “Fighting Frost TH”, they returned to Thailand with First Prize from the ICSSC 2026 international snow sculpture contest in Harbin, People’s Republic of China.
The Deputy Governor Narasak Suksombun congratulated the team on behalf of the residents. He said the win was a proud moment for Chiang Rai, and that few people expected students from the province to take the top spot on the world stage.
He also praised their determination after working in extreme cold, with temperatures reported at around -18°C during the event. His message was simple: Chiang Rai’s vocational students proved what they can do.
Team representatives shared the idea behind their winning piece, titled “Betta Brilliance Bloom in the Snow”. They chose the betta fish because it reflects Thai identity and comes in a wide variety, much like the strength and spirit of Thai people. The betta also helped them show beauty and toughness in one clear image.
The team said the hardest part of the competition was the climate. They had to work in temperatures below minus 20°C, which was new to them. To prepare, they trained their bodies with morning exercise and practised carving with real ice so they could move faster and work with more control once they faced the snow blocks in China.
ICSSC 2026: strong field, standout concept
The 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest (ICSSC 2026) brought together more than 46 teams from 9 countries. Chiang Rai Vocational College stood out with a design showing four betta fish circling a globe. The concept is linked to the Buddhist idea of “four lotus types”, reflecting stages of learning and growth in wisdom.
Competition results for Thai teams
- 1st Prize: Chiang Rai Vocational College and Saowabha Vocational College
- 2nd Prize: Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College
- 3rd Prize: Saraburi Vocational College
This win did more than keep Thailand’s title. It also highlighted the standard of Thai vocational education, showing that student skills can compete and win at an international level.
