9-Year-Old Thai Coder Wins Two World Championships in Rome
A third-grader from Phuket just became the world's top-ranked coding champion, beating competitors up to eight years older. Pavin "Pace" Pattanavekin claimed two global titles at an international competition featuring 38,000 students from 150 countries.
Most nine-year-olds are mastering multiplication tables, but Pavin "Pace" Pattanavekin just conquered the world's best coders.
The third-grader from True Coding School Phuket walked away from the International STEM Olympiad in Rome this month with two Global Champion titles and the number one world ranking in coding. He competed against students through 11th grade and won anyway.
The competition drew more than 38,000 entries from over 150 countries, with only 700 finalists making it to Rome for the grand finale from July 2-8. Pace didn't just participate, he dominated categories designed for students nearly twice his age.
This wasn't beginner's luck. Last year in New York, Pace brought home three gold medals from the Coding Olympiad Grand Final, setting the stage for his Rome triumph.
His trophy case now includes achievements beyond coding too. He's earned gold medals in both Mathematics and Science Olympiad competitions for his age group, proving his talent spans multiple disciplines.
Why This Inspires
Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul publicly celebrated Pace's win, saying it proves Thai children can compete with anyone when given proper support and opportunities. The acknowledgment from the country's leader sends a powerful message to young students across Thailand that their potential is limitless.
Pace's story matters beyond the medals. In an era when technology shapes every industry, a nine-year-old demonstrating world-class computational thinking and problem-solving skills shows what's possible when curiosity meets encouragement.
His teachers at True Coding School credit his success to more than raw talent. They point to his determination, logical reasoning skills, and willingness to challenge himself against older, more experienced competitors.
The timing couldn't be more relevant as Prime Minister Anutin departed for the World AI Conference 2026 in Shanghai, seeking international partnerships in artificial intelligence and advanced technology for Thailand. Pace's achievement provides living proof that the country is already producing world-class tech talent.
The prime minister urged other Thai children to believe in themselves and embrace creativity, noting that talent and perseverance can lead to success regardless of where you start. With proper opportunities and support, today's curious kids become tomorrow's champions.
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Based on reporting by Bangkok Post
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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