The kids are alright

TODAY, the second Saturday in January, is Children’s Day in Thailand and kids all over the country will be out and about enjoying the activities laid on for them by both the public and private sector. Such events are too numerous to list on one page, so to mark the day, XP decided instead to talk to five of the country’s best-known promoters of music festivals about their thoughts on the national education system, their memories of Children’s Day, what they would do if they could go back to their childhood.
Our thanks go to Burintron “Heng” Saelor of Kodindy Music Festival, Chansrisorn “Nueng” Maneechy, managing director of Media Wrap, which organises the Overcoat Music Festival, Kamol “Suki” Sukosol Clapp of Gypsy Carnival, Thanavit “Tom” Thossaporn of Rimpha Music Festival, and Yannakorn Apirajkamol, managing director of Create Intelligence and organiser of Season of Love Song, for taking time out to answer our questions.

 

 

KAMOL

On education: “I’ve never believed the Thai education system is very good. As the saying goes, Thai school teaches kids to remember and not to think – it doesn’t encourage critical thinking. A lot of my Thai friends tell me kids are afraid to speak up because they are afraid of being reprimanded. So, if it were my call, I would most likely overhaul the entire system.”
On Children’s Day: “Once when I was very young my dad took me to see an army tank, I remember vaguely thinking the inside was like a cave.”
Looking back: “I would build a treehouse and be Tarzan, find a chimp to be my sidekick and then look for my Jane.”

 

 

CHANSRISORN

On education: “I would like the education system to help nurture a love for reading in young Thai people from an early age and help them develop their EQ (emotional quotient) more than their IQ (intelligent quotient) like in Japan and the USA. We should give a good education foundation to our kids. Technology is something of a double-edged sword. In the past, some mums and dads helped their kids develop by reading them bedtime stories but today’s parents feel more comfortable letting their children learn from the Internet and social media. The result is that kids spend less time reading and more time connected.”
On Children’s Day: “Children’s Day was an important day for all kids and I remember looking forward to it. It was our day, a time when we could do what we wanted. My parents worked hard and didn’t always have much time so I remember being so happy to go somewhere and have a meal with them. At that time, I thought that Children’s Day was more important than my birthday.”
Looking back: “In my childhood, I didn’t have freedom of thought because I mostly followed what my parents or elder sister wanted me to do. If I could go back, I would like to study more and for longer.”

 

 

THANAVIT

On education: “Today, Thai youth pay more attention to technology like the Internet and social networks, which gives them a wider vision of the world. Organising festivals has shown me that the new generation, especially students, pays more attention to music. That’s good because music can help sustain people and keep them away from drugs. Both the public and private sectors organise activities to encourage Thai youth in music. The new generation bands have more skills than their elders.”
On Children’s Day: “When I was young, I felt very excited when Children’s Day was approaching. It was a special day for all kids and our school used to take us to various places that organised activities. I remember seeing planes, helicopters and tanks firsthand as well as tucking into desserts and sweets. It was an inspirational day.”
Looking back: “As a child I dreamed of being a policeman. When I grew up, I wanted to be an archaeologist. Then I went into the music business. If I could go back, I would like to be an archaeologist.”

 

 

YANNAKORN

On education: “I used to think of our country as a leader of education in Asean. Now the statistics show that other Asean countries are ahead. So it’s good that the government is taking serious steps to move the country forward in terms of innovation and technology. Today’s kids have technology, which we didn’t. They have access to so much information on their phones and tablets but are lacking in morality. I think that’s why they tend to be more rash and violent. It isn’t wrong for Thai youth to adopt western culture, but they also need to foster our own culture, which is fading fast. They definitely need more guidance on morality and mindfulness.”
On Children’s Day: “It was the one day in the year that we all waited for. It was and still is a chance for kids to enjoy their lives. Back then as today, Government House was open to them and Dusit Zoo too. I do wish though that the government would be attentive to the young generation all the time, not just on Children’s Day.”
Looking back: “My family was far from perfect so there were many things I had to learn by myself. Today, I have done almost everything I set out to do. But, if I could go back, I think it would be to study, especially English. I was rather naughty as a child.”

 

 

BURINTRON

On education: “I believe the Thai education system is improving as it gives youngsters a bigger set of choices. Kids can learn a lot outside the classroom but this must be in parallel with the teaching of the Buddha. Youngsters must have knowledge and also behave morally.”
On Children’s Day: “It was the biggest highlight of my childhood. It was a day when I could take home the toys that were handed out for free at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Centre and take part in the many activities organised for us. I didn’t have the same chances as other kids whose parents took them to see military tanks and helicopters. I went to the youth centre by myself and took part in a painting contest. And I won first prize. It was a day on which kids were honoured by adults. I remember being surprised when an adult who lived near my house gave me a toy even though we didn’t know each other. Children’s Day connects adults and kids.”
Looking back: “If I could go back, I wouldn’t be the naughty boy who always disobeyed his parents. Most importantly, I would want to live longer with my parents.”

Music for the Ears

- The Gypsy Carnival 2: Butterflies Calling takes place at Tonphueng Farm in Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, on February 18. Check out Facebook.com/gypsy-carnivalthailand
- The Overcoat Music Festival is held towards the end of the year. Keep updated at Facebook.com/overcoat-musicfest/
- The Rimpha Music Festival 5: Paha Nam Yok is slated for February 4 in Khao Yai, Nakhon Ratchasima on February 4. Find out more at Facebook.com/Rimpha-musicfestival.
- Season of Love Song will be held at Veneto Floating Market in Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi on February 18. For more, go to Facebook.com/Seasonof-lovesong/.
- No date has yet been set for the 2017 Kodindy Music Festival. Get updates at Facebook.com/KodindyFC.