Children are considered as the most valuable resources of the nation. 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.