A Thai team's sculpture inspired by animals in the mythological forest of Himavanta won the top prize and the best technique award at the International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest in the city of Harbin in China's Heilongjiang province on Sunday.
It is the second consecutive win for Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College and the country’s ninth consecutive win at the 4-day event, which attracted 55 teams from 12 countries. It concluded on Sunday.
Thailand sent three teams: Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College, Surat Thani Vocational College and Samut Prakan Technical College.
The Ubon Ratchathani team's winning sculpture was entitled “Asha, Paksa, Masha and Waree”. It won Top Grade Award and Best Technique Award.
The team members are Kritsana Khobsahai, Thanasak Pipat, Thanakorn Saksing and Apisit Sornchai. Their supervising instructors are Phisit U-sirikulpanich and Surachart Phalasak.
Inspired by creatures in the mythological forest of Himavanta, Asha (horse) represents strength and endurance while Paksa (bird) symbolizes freedom and intelligence. Masha (fish) symbolizes success and prosperity while Waree (water) represents fertility and life.
The Surat Thani college team, which entered a local fighting rooster ice sculpture, and Samut Prakan technical college, which sculpted "fortune" animals, shared the second prize.
Mr Phisit said the prizes were for the entire nation and he was proud of the work, which was the fruit of devotion. Mr Surachart said he and the students hope to use the experience to improve their skills and creativity.
Mr Apisit said he and his teammates were overwhelmed by the support they had received from the Thai public. It was their last competition and they put all they had into making the sculpture.
Last year a four-member team from Ubon Ratchathani Vocational College win the Top Grade Award with their ice sculpture, "Water–Fish–Paddy Field–Rice", inspired by the late King Bhumibol's development projects.
The Thai teams are due to arrive home on Tuesday afternoon.
The Thai students accept their award at the International Collegiate Snow Sculpture Contest in Harbin, China. (Photo by Nila Singkhiri)