A warm atmosphere welcomed the Thai students home—Chiang Rai Vocational Education College's team "Fighting Frost TH"—after winning the championship at the ICSSC 2026 International Snow Sculpture Contest in Harbin.
On 9 January 2026 GMT+7, reporters described a lively and warm scene at Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai. Norasak Suksomboon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai Province, along with school administrators, teachers, students, and family members, welcomed the Fine Arts students from Chiang Rai Vocational Education College, known as team "Fighting Frost TH," who returned home with the First Prize from the ICSSC 2026 international snow sculpting contest held in Harbin, People's Republic of China.
Norasak Suksomboon, Deputy Governor of Chiang Rai, congratulated the team on behalf of the people of Chiang Rai, saying, "We have won the world championship in ice (snow) sculpting in Harbin, something no one expected from students from Chiang Rai. On behalf of our people, I offer congratulations and praise. This is a great source of pride for us in Chiang Rai, as our youth have brought international recognition to our province's skill and strength. Despite facing extreme cold weather down to -18 degrees Celsius, we succeeded. I commend vocational education as number one, and Chiang Rai as number one."
A representative from the Fighting Frost TH team shared the inspiration behind their creation, "Betta Brilliance Bloom in the Snow," explaining that they chose the betta fish because it represents Thai identity and can be developed into various breeds. It symbolizes strength, beauty, and the fighting spirit of the Thai people.
When asked about major challenges during the competition, the team cited the weather as the biggest test, having to work in temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius, which they had never experienced before. They prepared rigorously, exercising every morning and practicing ice sculpting to gain proficiency before competing on the snow blocks in China.
The 18th International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest (ICSSC 2026) featured over 46 teams from 9 countries around the world. Chiang Rai Vocational Education College’s work stood out by depicting four betta fish swimming around a globe, representing the Buddhist concept of the "Four Types of Lotus," symbolizing intellectual growth.
The competition results for the Thai teams were: First Prize to Chiang Rai Vocational Education College and Saowapha Vocational Education College; Second Prize to Ubon Ratchathani Vocational Education College; and Third Prize to Saraburi Vocational Education College.
This victory not only maintained Thailand’s championship status and enhanced national prestige but also reaffirmed the high standards of Thai vocational education, demonstrating its ability to elevate skills to an international level with distinction.
