Children’s Day

Celebrating Our Future

‘JJ’ Jeremy Johanson

There is a Thai saying that goes, “Children are the future of the nation, if the children are intelligent, the country will be prosperous.” To help stimulate children to be aware of their significant role, National Children’s Day took place for the first time in 1955. Held on the first Monday of October every year, the date of this celebration was changed to its actual date in 1963, the second Saturday of January.

The main point of Children’s Day is taking children out TO HAVE FUN. Most government offices organize special events for the kids and their parents. This year was no exception! Children were the guests of honour at events all over the country. While all the kids had a great time, they realized that they have a significant role to play in our country’s future.

This year, parents and children had a memorable day out all over the country. At Don Muang Airforce Base, there were numerous presentations and exhibitions including a military parade, parachute jumping, demonstrations and of course… the chance to see the planes up close.

Government House and the Pubic Relations Department also hosted loads of fun, with painting, drawing, shows and concerts. The kids especially enjoyed the performance of superstars Jonas and Christi.

Kids could also try their hand at radio broadcasting and future English language News Reporters participated in the nationwide ‘Channel 11 – Newsline’ news-reading contest. Talented winners came from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket and Ubon Ratchatani. The first prize-winner got to read the news on Monday nights’ Newsline!

But most importantly, the voice of our nations’ youth was heard by Prime Minister Thaksin, when the Thai Youth Council, representing 260 children from all provinces across the nation, including disabled and disadvantaged children, presented 5 agendas, comprising 10 projects for a better future.

Mr. Thaksin feels children have a good understanding of the world and are concerned about the environment and ethics. It is the responsibility of adults to lay a good foundation for their future. This is especially true in education reform, not just in structure, but in the long run, in the very underpinnings of the philosophy of education. He feels that education reform needs to be improved, with the main focus on what the children will get from it.

Dr. Sirikorn Maneerin, Deputy Minister of Education stressed that, “Today we have to listen to the children. They say their 5 agenda are necessary for the future of children, for Thailand. So we are going to see what we can do about what they told us today, including the disabled children who voice their wants and concerns for their lives and their future!”