Children are considered as the most valuable resources of
the n
ation. They are
a powerful force in the development and stability of the nation.
Normally, the age of children taking part in the celebrations
should be less then 14 years old.
To prepare themselves to be the strength of the nation, children
should be industrious in their study, make use of their time
wisely, being disciplined, diligent, helpful to each other, unselfish,
being aware of right and duty and responsible towards society.
In addition, they should keep the country clean and conserve
the natural environment and public property. If children are
aware of their own future and of the nation by behaving in such
a way, they will be called "Worthy Children" and the
country will be prosperous.
At the same time, to stimulate children to be aware of their
significant role in the country, the National Children's Day
was held for the first time on the first Monday of October 1955
and continued until 1963. Then it was changed to the second Saturday
of January as at this time the rainy season is over and it is
a government holiday. This is still in practice today.
The government has
set up an organising committee to co-ordinate with several agencies
in both public and private sectors to organise the celebration
simultaneously throughout the country. The objectives are to
enable children to realise their importance, to be disciplined,
being aware of right and duty, responsibility towards the society,
be proud of their country, Religion and Monarchy, and believe
in a democratic system having the King as the head of state.
Every year on this day, His Majesty the King gives an advice
while the Supreme Patriarch gives a moral teaching. The Prime
Minister also gives a slogan. This indicates that children are
the most valuable resource of the nation. We often hear the saying
that, "Children are the future of the nation, if the children
are intelligent, the country will be prosperous." Therefore,
children should ask themselves whether they are worthy children
or not.
On this day, many interesting places such as the Dusit Zoo, the Army, Navy,
and Airforce bases, Government House and Parliament House are opened
for children to visit. Thus, all children look forward to National Children's
Day.
This
story comes from "Essays on Thailand" by Thanapol
Chadchaidee. It is used here with his permission. The book contains
60 essays about Thailand written in Thai and English.
