The students returned to Suvarnabhumi International Airport early Thursday morning and were congratulated by Ministry of Culture permanent secretary Kritsayapong Siri and other officials and fans.

The marching band had competed against nine other bands from the United States, Germany, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and China, winning the top honours on April 30 in the music festival hosted by the China Marching Band Association and the Asian Marching Band Confederation.

Culture Minister Veera Rojpojanarat praised the Nakhon Ratchasima College of Dramatic Arts marching band, which formed only a year ago, for their performance combining a traditional marching band performance with Thai cultural arts. The students had brought pride to the country, Veera said.

Veera added that the success was in line with the government’s policy to promote Thai arts and culture, education, and religion as well as Thai children and young people’s potential in national and international contests.