Chiang Mai, IMC press---At 10.00 hrs. of October 26, 2008,    H.E. Mr. Somchai Wongsawat, Prime Minister of Thailand, together with H.E. Mr. Srimuang Charoensiri, Minister of Education of Thailand, came  to preside over the opening ceremony of International Mathematics Competition 2008 at Grand Phucome Room, Chiang Mai Phucome Hotel. All representatives from 25 countries took group pictures  around the “spinny lantern” which was the symbol of IMC 2008. The Prime Minister noted, “Mathematics is an important part of our daily life. Mathematic is both the present and the future of mankind.”