The team achieved top honours at the 1st INACSL Thailand RIG, demonstrating exceptional clinical decision-making, crisis management, and teamwork on a national stage.
A team of nursing students from Khon Kaen University, competing under the name “Team Whanjai”, achieved the prestigious Platinum Award (First Place) at the inaugural national nursing simulation competition, the 1st INACSL Thailand RIG. The final round of the national tournament took place on 22 May 2026.
The national competition was organised by the INACSL Thailand Regional Interest Group (RIG), an international collaborative network affiliated with the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. The initiative aims to enhance clinical practice skills, critical decision-making in crisis situations, and teamwork through simulation-based education. This methodology represents the current international standard in modern medical and nursing education.
On this national competitive platform, “Team Whanjai” demonstrated outstanding intellect, academic proficiency, communication skills, and real-time problem-solving under high-pressure conditions. Their performance impressed the distinguished panel of judges, bringing institutional pride and recognition to Khon Kaen University.
The student team comprised Miss Chompoonoot Malithong, Miss Sirinapa Prasertwasu, Miss Rattikarnt Tonnadee, Miss Primprapaporn Seesod, Mr. Subanan Khomboon, and Miss Boonrasamee Jumreornjit. They were supported by a dedicated advisory team consisting of Dr. Supan Unjai, Dr. Chanika Worasith, Ms. Pichamon Kongkasem, Assistant Professor Wiphawadee Potisopha, Ph.D., and Ms. Pariyaporn Paripunna.
Dr. Supan Unjai, the lead team advisor, commented on the rigorous preparation process:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the faculty executives for providing the simulation laboratory equipment, which ensured our students had state-of-the-art tools for learning and practicing. Our preparation involved comprehensive strategic planning by the coaching instructors. We began with online tutoring sessions covering adult nursing concepts categorized by systemic illnesses. Following this, we transitioned to physical practices in the simulation room, focusing on role assignments, essential nursing skills, and full-scale simulation runs encompassing prebriefing, simulation running, and debriefing to fully prepare the students for the actual competition environment.”
The competition was highly competitive, spanning three selection rounds. The initial round required the submission of a clinical scenario, attracting a total of 71 teams nationwide. From these, 16 teams were shortlisted to submit video performances. Ultimately, only the top eight teams advanced to the final championship round to compete for the top honours.
The success was a direct result of the intense dedication, physical effort, and mental stamina invested by all student competitors and their supervising instructors during months of rigorous training. The Faculty of Nursing hopes that this milestone achievement will serve as a powerful inspiration for the continuous development of student capabilities and future academic excellence.
