Episode 1

Students' Forum for Theoretical Physics <S|FT|P>

1 January, 1994

The congregation of third-year students in physics, physics education, and electrical engineering for the establishment of Students' Forum for Theoretical Physics (SFTP) at Chiang Mai University occurred. The members were Burin Gumjudpai, Suppiya Tawiwilaisirikun (Suppiya Siranan), Narathip Songmee, and Decha Suphaphittayaphon.

The Forum was a subgroup of a group concerned with student rights movement, and against the authoritarian SOTUS system prevalent in student communities at Chiang Mai University. This group was known as the Free Energy Group. The Forum had an office that was kindly provided by Superconducting Ceramic Materials Laboratory at Department of Physics, Chiang Mai University. Its counselors were Asst. Prof. Dr. Sodchuen Wiboonseck, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nikorn Mangkornthong.

Episode 2

The Tah Poe Group of Theoretical Physics

8 August, 1996

Burin Gumjudpai, after graduated from Chiang Mai University and having been tenured at Naresuan University, together with Chanan Sricheewin, a physics graduate from Chulalongkorn University, founded the Tah Poe Group of Theoretical Physics, abbreviated TPTP, at Naresuan University. TPTP, cooperating with young physicists at the university, encouraged the development of theoretical physics education and academic atmosphere in Tambon Ta Pho. Afterwards, the group became a network of friends and partnership among young physicists from several institutions in Thailand.

1996-1998

Seckson Sukhasena joined the group in his third year. The students in the generation after his, consisting of Rachan Rangdee, Tae Namkaew, and several other freshmen, joined the group in the same year. So did Asst. Prof. Charan Phromsuwan and Dr. Georg Meinhardt later. SFTP also merged with TPTP entirely.

TPTP was once transformed into CTPM Project (in an effort to establish the Centre for Theoretical Physics in the Mekong Region, hence the abbreviation) under the Solar Energy Research and Training Center (SERT) of Naresuan University. It was without success, due to the need for postgraduate education among members, and political change of SERT.

TPTP subsequently moved back to Department of Physics. Meanwhile, the Tah Poe Fundamental Physics Society, affiliated with the Science Student Society, was started by Rachan Rangdee, who was in his third year. The society is still up and running.

TPTP also supported its members in finding an opportunity for postgraduate study. In an effort, Burin, as a coordinator of the group, made contact with Khun Banyong Chat-amon, a follower of Luang Ta Maha Bua, as well as a businessman who recognised the ideology of TPTP. He provided Seckson, the first Tah Poe alumnus, with some financial support for his Master's study in theoretical physics at Suranaree University of Technology in 1997.

Episode 3

The Survival, and the Lives in the UK

1998-2001

Members continued their postgraduate studies. Some were in Thailand. The others were in the UK. During his stay in the UK, Burin became acquainted with a number of physicists from India and England, especially Prof. Nimai N. Singh of Gauhati University in India. Seckson, besides, was awarded the Faculty Development Scholarship from Mahasarakham University, and appointed to a teaching post there.

12 July 2000

TPTP had its first website hosted on geocities.com/tptpnet, and later geocities.com/tptpgroup.

17-18 April 2001

TPTP held a TPTP Special Presentation on Cosmology at Naresuan University.

August 2001

The idea of developing TPTP into an unofficial educational institution was drafted by Burin. He proposed the Tah Poe Academia Project to TPTP members.

May 2001

The 2^nd version of All Thailand Physics and Astronomy Links (@PAL) website was constructed and hosted on a server of Relativity and Cosmology Group (now Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation) at University of Portsmouth.

October 2001

Kiattisak Thepsuriya (a Mathayom 5 student at Surasakmontree School then) joined TPTP as a webmaster. He designed the logo shown on the right. His work helped TPTP raise awareness of the external body on the work of TPTP and later the Tah Poe School in Cosmology.

Episode 4

The Dawn of the Tah Poe School on Cosmology Series

1-8 April 2002

The 1^st Tah Poe School on Cosmology (TPCosmo I), organised by the Tah Poe Academia, was held at Naresuan University. The lecturers included

• Dr. Bruce Bassett
• Prof. Dr. Ciprian Dariescu
• Prof. Dr. Marina-Aura Dariescu
• Burin Gumjudpai.

The school was financially supported by Department of Physics, Naresuan University with a budget of 180,000 baht.

The idea of the school came in 2001 while Burin participated in the 1^st Aegean School on Cosmology held at the island of Samos, Aegean Sea, Greece, and talked with cosmologists at the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation (ICG), University of Portsmouth afterwards.

TPCosmo I consisted of 13 staff members. There were 61 participants who are Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate students in physics and engineering, as well as university lecturers from, namely, Naresuan University, Chiang Mai University, Khon Kaen University, Chulalongkorn University, Mahasarakham University, Thaksin University, Kasetsart University, Prince of Songkhla University, and several Rajabhat Institutes.

Fifteen of the participants were awarded TP.C. in Cosmology from the Tah Poe Academia on 8 April 2002. The ceremony was regarded as the first TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates. The lecturers also had a chance to meet the President of Naresuan University after the school concluded, and discussed about the development of Master's degree and Doctorate programmes in theoretical physics.

The Tah Poe Song was composed by Athit Laphirattanakun (Chiang Mai University) and performed for the first time at the closing ceremony of the school on 7 April 2002. After the school had been brought to an end, TPTP got new members from Chulalongkorn University, Chiang Mai University, and Prince of Songkhla University, who came with communal intent to contribute to the advancement of physics in Thailand.

17-25 April 2003

The 2^nd Tah Poe International School on Cosmology (TPCosmo II), organised by the Tah Poe Academica, was held again at Naresuan University. The lecturers included

• Dr. Bruce Bassett (ICG, University of Portsmouth)
• Dr. Martin Kunz (Astronomy Centre, University of Sussex)
• Burin Gumjudpai (ICG, University of Portsmouth)
• Dr. Shinji Tsujikawa (ICG, University of Portsmouth)
• Dr. Fermin Viniegra (ICG, University of Portsmouth)

This second school also involved an academic conference called the 1^st Thai Physics and the Universe Symposium (ThaiPhysUniverse I). The speakers, giving oral presentations on their works, were Prof. Nimai N. Singh (Gauhati University, India), Takayuki Tatekawa (Waseda University, Japan), Abhra P. Ray (University of Pune, India), Mizuno Shuntaro (Waseda University, Japan), Muhammad Zaka (Pakistan), Dr. Om Niraula (Tribhuvan University, Nepal), and Dr. Orrarujee Mueanwong (Khon Kaen University).

Candidates who passed the examination at the end of the school, with criteria issued by the Tah Poe Academica, were awarded TP.C. in Cosmology. This was the 2^nd TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates.

TPCosmo II was financially supported by the Astronomy Network of Ministry of University Affairs (280,000 baht) and UNESCO ICTP (International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy) (€3,000), whereas Department of Physics, Naresuan University provided the venue and personnel.

July 2003

The first correspondence was made between Narit Pidokrajt (Stockholms Universitet) and Burin (ICT, University of Portsmouth). Narit later decided to join TPTP.

Episode 5

The Journey Begins

1 November 2003

Burin returned to Thailand and registered his bureaucratic employment back at Naresuan University.

27 November 2003

TPTP, led by Burin as its coordinator, put forward an initiative on establishing the headquarters of the Tah Poe Group of Theoretical Physics at Naresuan University. In a department meeting, it was approved by Department of Physics, Naresuan university, thereby giving TPTP its own place, the first one ever, for all activities permanently. It was, and still is, situated on the west wing of the 3^rd floor of the physics building. Tapaian Students and Theory Cadets scheme was first introduced, 7 years after its conception in 1996.

Fundamental physics and cosmology, and condensed matter research units were also set up. TPTP was therefore an unofficial organization, supported by Department of Physics, Naresuan University, comprising the two research units and the Tah Poe Academia.

28 November 2003

The Tah Poe Seminar Series I began.

December 2003

The position of group coordinator was dismissed. The leader of TPTP was deemed to be the leader of the base group. And teachers in the Tah Poe Academia were to be referred to as Tapaian Masters.

10 March 2004

In the third monthly meeting of the group, the Tah Poe Academia arranged the 3^rd TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates, awarding TP.L. in Theoretical Physics to Artit Hutem and Piyaphong Asanithi.

14 March 2004

The roundtable discussion called Lotus-Tesco X'Pert Highscore Seminar was organised on the issues of the social and cultural impact of science. The discussion commemorated the 125^th birthday anniversary of Albert Einstein. The topics included his role in shaping the present-day world. This activity was supported by Lotus-Tesco, Phitsanulok branch, with refreshments.

15 March 2004

The Tah Poe Lecture Series began.

April-May 2004

The first 3.00PM Tea Working Group took place at our Corridor Garden. GRE Physics papers were brought up for junior members to practice. It is this April that Narit Pidokrajt paid us a visit. In addition, Burin received an MUA-TRF New Researchers Grant of 480,000 baht for 2 years.

October 2004

The 3^rd Thai School on Cosmology (TPCosmo III) was held at Department of Physics, Khon Kaen University, which cooperated with the Tah Poe Academia in organizing the school. The lecturers included

• Prof. Dr. Roy Maartens (Head of Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, University of Portsmouth)
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Takahiro Tanaka (Kyoto University)
• Dr. Mark Hindmarsh (Centre for Theoretical Physics, University of Sussex)
• Dr. Martin Kunz (University of Geneva)
• Dr. David Parkinson (Astronomy Centre, University of Sussex)
• Dr. Auttakrit Chattaraputi (Theoretical High Energy Physics and Cosmology Group, Chulalongkorn University)
• Dr. Nazeem Mustapha (University of Cape Town)
• Dr. Burin Gumjudpai (TPTP’s FPC, Naresuan University)
• Dr. Chinorat Kopdet (Suranaree University of Technology)

Burin, Auttakit, and Chinorat constituted the organizing committee, led by Dr. Orrarujee Mueanwong (Khon Kaen University)

The 2^nd Thai Physics and the Universe Symposium (ThaiPhysUniverse II) was held after the school. In addition to Thai students and researchers, scientists from Vietnam, India, and Japan also participated. There were 43 participants.

The school was supported by UNESCO ICTP (International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Italy) (€3,000), the Astronomy Network of Ministry of University Affairs (240,000 baht), IPST (registration fees for DPST students), and Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, which provided the venue and staff personnels. During the school, there was a meeting of TPTP, which at that time had a status of a network with a base group at Naresuan University. Five new members were accepted. The TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates that followed awarded 4 candidates.

November 2004

The 1^st Tah Poe Winter Institute on Introductory Physics Laboratory was organised at the base group of TPTP at Naresuan University. Itzadah Thongkool also came to join the teaching staff. 7 candidates out of 9 were to be awarded TP.C. in Introductory Physics Laboratory in the 5^th TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates. 4 of the candidates who passed an examination were appointed by Deparment of Physics and Tapaian Masters to a teaching assistantship for Introductory Physics Laboratory.

December 2004

In a joint action between TPTP and Physics Electronics Group of Naresuan University, the 1^st TPTP-Physics Electronics Joint Colloquium was organised, consisting of 4 meetings.

The Tah Poe Academia changed its Thai name.

January 2005

The first visit of Asst. Dr. Sotchuean Wibunsek from Chiangmai university to give an honourary lecture came. She was the senior project advisor for Burin, Narit, and Alongkorn during their undergraduate studies, as well as one of the counselors of the group when it was Students' Forum for Theoretical Physics in 1994. She gave the novel Angel and Demon to a theory cadet with a note in its back cover reading (in Thai) "ขอมอบหนังสือนี้ไว้สำหรับ นิ(ศิษย์) ของ สำนักท่าโพธิ์ เพราะจินตนาการสำคัญยิ่งกว่าความรู้."

Burin gave an interview to Manager Online on planetary alignment and tsunamis.

February 2005

Burin built a new Corridor Garden, and gave it to the group on 6 February 2005.

17 February 2005

Burin resigned his position as the leader of the base group, which was then filled by Chanan.

April-May 2005

TPTP held the Tah Poe Lecture Series II. The external Tapaian Masters giving lectures included Chankit Kanchong (Chiang Mai University), Daris Samart (Ubonratchathani University), and Itzadah Thongkool (Chulalongkorn University). The external students are Phet Khunphet (Prince of Songkhla University) and Phrudth Jaroenjittichai (Chiang Mai University).

June 2005

Condensed Matter Seminar Series I began.

August 2005

The 3^rd Thai Physics and the Universe Symposium was held at Naresuan University, followed by the Advanced Training on Dark Energy and Cosmological Perturbation. The lecturers included Dr. Shinji Tsujikawa (Gunma National College of Technology, Japan) and M. Sami (IUCAA & Jamia Millia Islamia, India).

13 October 2005

Burin was selected as 1 of 7 new researchers, out of 858 new postdoctoral researchers who received TRF grants, for Outstanding New Researcher Award 2005 with Gold Medal from the Thailand Research Fund (TRF) and Ministry of University Affairs (MUA).

20 December 2005

The name "the Tah Poe Group of Theoretical Physics" appeared in the 2005 Annual Report of Naresuan University, pp. 50–51, honouring university researchers who were recognised by external organizations.

January 2006

Burin Gumjudpai succeeded Chanan Sricheewin as leader of the base group.

18 January 2006

In a meeting, Tapaian Masters and Licentiates at the base group agreed on the dismissal of the base group, and instead the Tah Poe Academia was promoted to the Tah Poe Academia Institute for Theoretical Physics and Cosmology. The abbreviation "TPTP" of the group was retained. Its short name was designated the Tah Poe Academia Institute. The fundamental physics and cosmology research unit and condensed matter research unit were subsumed under the institute. The institute consisted of three committees, viz., advisory committe, Tapaian Council, and Academic Council. The position of base group leader was also dismissed. The leader of the institute was designated "Headmaster," the first of which is Burin Gumjudpai.

11 March 2006

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phiradet Thong-amphai, Deputy Director of TRF, Asst. Prof. Dr. Wibun Watthanathon, Vice President for Research of Naresuan University, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Samoe Thanoi, Assistant President for Research of Naresuan University, visited the institute.

29 March 2006

Assoc. Prof. Bunraksa Sunthontham, Director of the National Astromomical Research Institute of Thailand, agreed to join the advisory committee during his visit to the institute.

20 April 2006

The institute held the Tah Poe Lecture Series III. The external Tapaian Masters giving lectures included Chankit Kanchong (Chiang Mai University) and Itzadah Thongkool (Chulalongkorn University). The external student is Phrudth Jaroenjittichai (DPST Master's student, Chulalongkorn University). In this month, Kiattisak Thepsuriya, a Tapaian member from Department of Physics, Mahidol University, visited the institute as a DPST intern, and stayed for 2 months.

In a meeting of the institute, the Tapaian Council was formed, the first president of which was voted to be Kiattisak. The Tapaian Council dealt with membership approval and promotion, and appointment of the Headmaster.

29 April 2006

The Tah Poe Academia Institute was inaugurated in the presence of eyewitnesses during the 6^th TPTP Congregation for the Conferment of Certificates. The academic regalia for Licentiates was introduced. The conferrer was Asst. Prof. Dr. Wibun Watthanathon, Vice President of Naresuan University. Chakkrit Kaeonikhom and Phimphimon Khamwong, who wrote their theses in English and passed the Crossing Examination out of 9 candidates, were awarded TP.L. in Theoretical Physics. In this very occasion, the institute also presented Asst. Prof. Dr. Wibun Watthanathon with honourary membership.

1 May 2006

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Monthon Sa-nguansoemsi, President of Naresuan University, summoned Burin, whereupon he was informed of the inauguration of the institute. He acknowledged its presence and gave some recommendations.

6 May 2006

The first report ever in 12 years of the institute was issued into the public domain.

June 2006

Burin Gumjudpai was selected to be granted the famous TRF Research Career Development Grant with a budget of 1,200,000 baht for research on cosmological dynamics and dark energy. There were 50 grants of the type per annum. Grantees were chosen from university researchers in all fields who had internationally published at least one paper. This research grant would boost the research competence of FPC research unit of the institute to the international level.

10 August 2006

Burin Gumpudpai was selected by Naresuan University for 2 out of 5 Outstanding Researcher Prizes for being:

1. Researcher with Most Cited Publication in International Database
2. Researcher with Highest Impact-Factor Publication.

Each included a certificate and cash prize, conferred by the President of the university. The ceremony was held at the 2^nd Naresuan Research Conference on the day of the 16^th anniversary of the founding of Naresuan University. The Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science represented Burin during the ceremony due to his leave of absence for research in Italy.

October 2006

The sign plate, along with its quartet twist symbol, of the institute was installed for the first time ever.

November 2006

The Tah Poe Seminar Series (from Series VII) changed its medium of presentation and discussion into English, and level of topics into research level.

13 December 2006

Daris Samart and Sarayut Pantian, our research students, defended their Master's proposals in English for the first time in the history of the institute. The FPC research unit required the use of English for thesis composition, thesis proposal defense, and thesis defense in all levels from Einstein term 2006 on.

21 December 2006

The title the Tah Poe Academia Institute for Theoretical Physics and Cosmology appeared in the 2006 Annual Report of Naresuan University, pp. 48–49, honouring university researchers. This occurred for the second time, and two years consecutively, that our staff member was honoured by the university. In the same occasion, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirindhorn bestowed the Naresuan University Honourary Badge for outstanding research at an international level on Burin Gumjudpai as the first conferee in the graduation ceremony of Naresuan University.

May 2007

In a meeting of Tapaian Masters, it was agreed that the Tapaian Council was dismissed, leaving only the Tah Poe Academic Council, consisting of all working Tapaian Masters at the institute at that time. The president of the council was the Headmaster (Alongkorn Khudwilat at that time).

1 June 2007

The new TPTP website under the domain name tptp.in.th was created by Kiattisak Thepsuriya.

Tapaian Masters proposed a new academic system for the institute which resembled the usual one in universities. One lecture credit was assigned to 3 lecture hours, and one practice credit was to 6 practice hours. The first subject under this new system was English Conversation, which opened in this day with 3 credits and 18 practice hours.

July 2007

Burin Gumjudpai won the Naresuan University's Outstanding Researcher Prize for being Researcher with Highest Impact-Factor Publication at the 3rd Naresuan Research Conference.

October 2007

Burin Gumjudpai was awarded an Honourary Mention, Thesis Prize 2007 from the National Research Council of Thailand for his doctoral thesis on 'Braneworld Effects on Cosmological Dynamics' under Prof. Roy Maartens of University of Portsmouth

21 December 2007

The full name of TPTP appears in the 2007 Naresuan University Annual Report for the third year. Burin Gumjudpai received Naresuan University Honourary Badge from H. R. H. Princess Sirindhorn at the Naresuan graduation ceremony for the second time.

1 March 2008

Burin Gumjudpai went to Centre for Theoretical Cosmology, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge for one year as a visiting scholar.

18 June 2008

Burin Gumjudpai was elected to be the ICTP Junior Associate ของ Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Italy

18 August 2008

Burin Gumjudpai won the 2008 Thailand Young Scientist Award and also won the Naresuan University's Outstanding Researcher Prize for being Researcher with Highest Impact-Factor Publication (for the 3rd time) at the 4th Naresuan Research Conference

November 2008

Burin Gumjudpai gave an invited talk at the STT34 conference according to tradition of the Thailand Young Scientist Award. He was also honoured at Chiang Mai University (CMU) by the president of CMU and the board of governor for his academic success as an CMU alumnus.
The full name of TPTP appears in the 2008 Naresuan University Annual Report for the forth year. Burin Gumjudpai received Naresuan University Honourary Badge from H. R. H. Princess Sirindhorn at the Naresuan graduation ceremony for the third time.

March 2009

Arriving back home of Burin Gumjudpai. The academic calendar system was introduced to the TPTP. The new-look website was launched to celebrate his return. Chanun Sricheewin resigned from the TPTP. CMT and FPC research unit are transfered to department of physics. The TPTP is understood and realized by its members that it is an operating system that governs the Department's FPC research unit.

April 2009

Nattapong Yongram gathered the Physics Station idea and started the TPTP Physics Station Project. The first school selected is Bangmoolnakbhumvittayakhom School in the Province of Pichit.

10 May 2009

Prof. Supasit Pannarunothai was elected to be conferrer after the resignment of Dr. Wibool Wattanathorn at the TPTP 8th congregation