Title: Mathematical Problem Solving Processes of Thai Gifted Students. Abstract approved:

The purpose of this study was to examine the problem solving processes of Thai gifted students when they solved non-routine mathematical problems. The research questions guiding the study were: (1) What is the nature of the problem solving processes that Thai gifted students use as they engage in solving non-routine mathematical problems? (2) What metacognitive behaviors do Thai gifted students exhibit when engaged in mathematical problem solving? Five Thai gifted students who were eligible for the Thai Mathematical Olympiad project and met the selection criteria participated in this study. Each student practiced the think aloud method before solving three mathematical problems individually. The problems were non-routine problems that focused on number theory, combinatorics, and geometry, respectively. The subjects worked on each problem separately and were interviewed at the end of each problem solving session. Data sources included videotapes of the think aloud and the interview sessions, students’ written solutions, and researcher’s field notes. These data were analyzed using the within-case and cross-case techniques. Data gathered were also categorized using