While children are considered as the assets and future of a nation, they however miss on the unrestricted freedom and enjoyment due to the present prevailing education system. Known as �Wan Dek�, Children's Day in Thailand is celebrated to permit the children to live life in their style. Thailand marks the National Children's Day on the second Saturday of January every year. Various celebration activities are organized for children by both government and commercial sectors to promote the welfare of the children. Read through the following lines to know more about Children's Day celebrations and traditions in Thailand.
Children's Day Celebrations In Thailand
To create awareness among the children about the significant role towards the development of the country, the National Children's Day was first celebrated on the first Monday of October in the year 1955. This custom was religiously followed till 1963, after which it was changed to the second Saturday of January. The change was made since the rainy season passes by January and the second Saturday was declared as a government holiday. A committee has been set up by the government, which co-ordinates with different agencies in both public and private sectors, to organize Children's Day celebrations across the nation.
Children are allowed to enter zoos and ride buses without any fare. Many government offices, including the Government House, the Parliament House Complex and various military installations are open for children and their family on this day. These government buildings are usually prohibited to even visitors on ordinary days. A guided tour of the Government House is another highlight on Children's Day in Thailand. This gives the kids an excellent opportunity to view the Prime Minister's office and view the bureau. The Royal Thai Air Force also allows the kids to explore the aircrafts.
Every year on Children's Day, His Majesty the King gives an advice addressing the children while the Supreme Monarch Patriarch of Thailand gives a moral teaching. The Prime Minister too gives a theme and slogan for each Children's Day. Most entertainment and amusement parks allow the kids to enjoy at a minimum fee or, most of the times, for free. On this day, the Bangkok Bank distributes stationery, such as pens, pencils and books to every child that enters the bank as a community service. By doing so, the bank aims to educate children about saving money and the benefits that it can reap on a long term.
Children's Day is celebrated in a very unique style in Thailand. Read to know all about Thai Children's Day celebrations and traditions.