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. In this day Thai people celebrate Children’s Day by taking their children out to have fun. Many local authorities organize special events and other places of interests usually let children in for half price or even for free on this day.
Every year on this day, His Majesty the King gives an advice while the Supreme Patriarch gives a amoral teaching. Here is some advice that he has given in the past.
“Every person has a duty to perform. Although you are still young, you have duty as young person that is to study. This means that you children have to study to gain knowledge and to have skills in various work. You have to form yourselves to be sensitive, gentle and tender in your behavior, thoughts and minds. You children have to be honest, happy, sensible and wise, so that you will grow up as capable and knowledge persons for the benefit of our nation”
The Prime Minister also usually gives each Children’s Day a slogan that can be summarized by its motto. Many Government offices are open to children and their family; this includes the Government House, the Parliament House Complex and various Military installations. These events may include a guided tour and an exhibition to view the Prime Minister’s office and sit at the bureau. The Royal Thai Air Force usually invites children to go and explore the aircraft.
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.