Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich Launches Documentary ‘Hands Up to Transforming Lives’ and Book ‘Khunying Coding,’ Sparking Learning for the Future and Conveying Inspiration from Real Life.
On March 14, 2025, Lido Cinema 1 was filled with inspiration at the launch of the book “Khunying Coding: Decoding the Life of Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich” and the documentary film “Hands Up to Transforming Lives,” under the concept “Inside the Book, Behind the Story: Decoding the Life of Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich.” Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, former Deputy Minister of Education, attended the event, along with numerous guests from various sectors.
The book “Khunying Coding: Decoding the Life of Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich” narrates logical, rational thinking, particularly the concept of Unplugged Coding, to enable Thai youth to keep pace with the digital world, alongside examples from everyday life, illustrating that everyone has coding within them, just waiting to be utilized.
Attendees also watched the documentary “Hands Up to Transforming Lives,” reflecting Khunying Kalaya’s life and perspectives, emphasizing her courage to ask questions and her lifelong learning.
“I want everyone to see that every success starts with the courage to ask and think. Every change begins with our own hands.“
Another highlight was the “Hands Up” to “Khunying Coding” panel discussion featuring Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich, Tomorn Sookprecha, Director of the Office of Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD), and Ochwin Jirasoontikul, CEO and founder of FutureSkill, moderated by Polawat Phupipat, a TNN news anchor. The discussion focused on the importance of coding, especially Unplugged Coding, and logical thinking, which not only helps in systematic problem-solving but also significantly enhances the quality of life and is a crucial 21st-century skill.
“Coding is not just about programming; it’s about logical and systematic thinking skills. Today’s youth must embrace coding in a world facing unpredictable volatility. Life can change unexpectedly. This is why ‘coding’ is important. It enables us to handle changes in any situation,” emphasized Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich on the importance of coding for the modern world.
Coding is no longer a future skill but an essential present-day skill.
The book “Khunying Coding: Decoding the Life of Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich” is available at leading bookstores nationwide and online via Kledthai Book Distributor. Proceeds from the book sales will include a 100,000 baht donation to Thai Wattana Pracharat School, Nakhon Ratchasima Educational Service Area 4, for public benefit.
The documentary “Hands Up to Transforming Lives” records Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich’s untold story, from her origins to the present day, showcasing the courage and determination of a girl born and raised in Si Khiu, Nakhon Ratchasima. She once sold rainwater for 1 satang per can to train passengers at Si Khiu Railway Station before studying in Bangkok, graduating from the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University. She received a scholarship to study at Imperial College London, earning Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Nuclear Physics, and returned to serve her country.
She became a member of the Sophonpanich family and dedicated herself to social and national service, receiving the royal title of Khunying, serving as Minister of Science and Environment, Deputy Minister of Education, and more. Her life’s positive transformation stemmed from her courage to “raise her hand,” symbolizing the courage to ask questions and persevere in learning, leading to multiple life changes. This aims to inspire and empower everyone to “dare” to question and initiate social change.
Watch the documentary “Hands Up to Transforming Lives” at:
Facebook Fanpage: ‘Khunying Kalaya Sophonpanich’ (https://www.facebook.com/KhunyingKalaya)
YouTube: ‘Khunying Coding’ (http://bit.ly/3DE3rt4)
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