Thanom's motto still top favourite
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Survey reveals youngsters want adults to stop cheating, be good role models
Good children are the country’s future and smart children help the nation develop” – this was the National Children’s Day motto set by former PM Field Marshall Thanom Kittikachorn in 1973 and an Abac poll has discovered that it is the biggest favourite among children.
In a survey conducted in Bangkok recently, 1,368 youngsters between the ages of 10 and 15 were asked to choose a motto they liked the most. The list ran from the slogan set by former PM Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram in 1965 to the most recent one by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Up to 89.6 per cent chose Thanom’s slogan, followed by 88.9 per cent who preferred this year’s slogan: “Uphold Discipline, Enhance Knowledge, and Bring Thailand towards Asean”. The survey also learned that 60 per cent of the youngsters wanted adults to be good role models, while 57.9 per cent want older people to be honest.
Many government agencies yesterday set up booths at Government House to mark Children’s Day on Saturday. Queue cards will be handed out to youngsters and parents who can visit the prime minister’s office and sit on her chair. Also, 50 of the 7,500 New Year cards addressed to the PM from youngsters will be put on display.
Another Archeeva (Vocational) poll discovered that up to 40.18 per cent of its 1,214 respondents said they want a mobile phone, computer or video games for Children’s Day, while 31.46 per cent prefer scholarships.
Meanwhile, a shipment of gifts from people across the nation arrived in Narathiwat yesterday for children in the restive South, whose biggest wish is an end to violence.
Separately, 728 outstanding youngsters from across the country were led by Education Minister Phongthep Thepkanjana and Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanich to meet Yingluck on Wednesday.
THINGS TO DO ON CHILDREN’S DAY
l The Parliament House will hold a pretend House meeting for children to participate in. Also 1,000 bicycles and 1,000 toys will be handed out.
l A talent show and games will be held at Buddha Mondhol.
l Art classes will be available at the Thailand Cultural Centre.
l A drill show, an exhibition of Army uniforms of the past, royal projects as well as the Army’s mission for Thai people and weaponry will be held at the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters.
l An exhibition of arms, horse riding and a K-9 dog talent show, as well as lessons on surviving a chemical or bio-nuclear attack and other survival techniques will be held at the Royal Army Headquarters. Similar activities will be held at military camps in other provinces.
l The Royal Thai Navy will offer a trip down the Chao Phraya, which will include shows on armaments used by the Navy. There will also be a musical performance, a navy parade, games and navy education guidance.
l The Royal Thai Air Force will provide air and parachute displays along with games and performances nationwide.
l Youngsters in Nakhon Ratchasima will enjoy science-based activities and physical strength contests at Suranaree University of Technology.
