Thailand's sharpest tongues

Mahidol University International College students

The rookie category was topped by a team from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) while Ruamrudee International School (RIS) pupils argued their way to glory at the high school level.

The champions were among 88 teams comprising 300 students from 62 universities and high schools nationwide competing in this year's debates.

Arguing for the motion "This house believes that developing countries should share the same burden as the EU in fighting global warming", three students from MUIC took the floor of the ri-Burapa Auditorium at Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus to debate against Assumption University (ABAC) for the grand final.

Close final

The panel of adjudicators led by Lissapat Kraikruan was impressed by both sides but eventually gave the championship and Bt25,000 in prize money to MUIC for their expert handling of argument's finer points.

 "Winning the tournament three years in a row is a result of a lot of hard work and sleepless nights," said Mohamed Mabrook Azeez, one of the MUIC team.

Fellow team-member Tannawat Phaovibul said they practised hard, debating every day for two hours or more for two weeks ahead of the competition. 

High-school debate

The topic for both finals in the other categories was "This house would end Burma's isolation from the international community". UTCC defeated Mahasarakham University to win the rookie trophy and Bt8,000 while RIS defeated Pathumwan Demonstration School to take away Bt10,000 and the trophy for high school winners. 

Special awards went to MUIC's Mohamed Mabrook Azeez as the tournament's best speaker, and RIS's Tipanun Bisalbutr as best young speaker.

The contest - Thailand's largest English-language debating tournament -- was hosted by Thammasat Speakers' Union together with the European Commission's Delegation and celebrated the 30th anniversary of Thai-European Union relations.