Description
For emerging countries, the challenges in initiating astronomy outreach where none currently exists is fundamentally different from simply expanding upon what's readily available. Outreach activities in developed countries tend to come from independent groups that can contribute independently towards the overall outreach initiatives in multiple aspects. However, reaching this "bottoms-up" stage from the ground up can take a long time. Recognizing the lack of most outreach infrastructures in Thailand 16 years ago, the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) has set outreach as one of its primary goals since its inception. Currently, NARIT operates a chain of five planetariums and about sixty full-time outreach staffs, both of which are among the largest in the world. Last year, NARIT has reached over 1.6 million participants who engaged with us in-person via various means in a fiscal year. This rapid rise in interests and enthusiasms in astronomy from the public is a testament to how effective this top-down and comprehensive approach to astronomy outreach can be in jump-starting a science interest in a developing country. Moreover, the overwhelming public support NARIT has garnered was vital in propelling forward many of its research infrastructure and serve as a reminder how Public Engagement can also be an ally and benefactor to the researchers.
