FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

A change in plans for Children’s Day

A change in plans for Children’s Day

As divisive politics dims Thailand’s ‘bright future’, it’s to be hoped that technology can steer youngsters to what’s right

It’s National Children’s Day today, when youngsters are given just about everything they want, from toys and games to visits to a zoo or amusement park. What they tend not to get, though, is what they actually need and, in this, parents and other adults often struggle to find appropriate ideas. Too often the debate over what Thailand needs most – in other words, what Thai children need – has become vociferous, divisive and even violent. Our prime ministers can always be counted upon to declare children “the country’s future”, usually adding that good behaviour should be their goal and their greatest attribute. Defining goodness, though, isn’t as straightforward as it first seems.
It’s surely difficult for our kids, growing up at a time when values vary rather than being held in common, where key principles in life so frequently clash. Politics has split the nation in halves and damaged friendships and family relations. What our offspring learn at school might differ considerably from what they hear at the dinner table. Parents who pay tea money to get them into a better school probably tell their kids that bribery is bad. What is ethical about a famous and popular television host being jailed for 13 years in a corruption case, even when many people say he’s the victim of unfair persecution? And what is this thing called democracy? Can it be bad? Can a military coup be good?
Thailand enjoys Children’s Day, and its leaders have been fond of adorning it with slogans. In 1956 Field Marshal Plaek Pibulsongkram fancied the notion of children “striving to help others”. Sarit Thanarat’s five Children’s Day mottoes all began with “My revolutionary children shall...” followed by “love progress” or “love discipline” and the like.
Thanom Kittikachorn came out with twice the number of slogans, his favourite being “Good kids embellish the nation; smart kids help progress.” Prem Tinsulanonda urged youngsters to display “integrity” and “honesty”. Chuan Leekpai promoted “adherence to democracy”. Thaksin Shinawatra at least ventured away from ideology to focus on reading, thinking and being bold. Abhisit Vejjajiva emphasised a pure mind and volunteer spirit. Yingluck Shinawatra hoped children would use “wisdom” and “knowledge”. Prayut Chan-o-cha has clung to the “knowledge” approach of the premier he overthrew in a coup, also repeating the belief that thoughtful use of knowledge will ensure the country a “bright” future.
Subtle differences among the slogans proffered by military or civilian leaders aside, The nation is now mired in conflict over ethics and ideology, and this is perhaps a result, at least in part, of the opposing political camps “lobbying” our children with their clashing philosophies and agendas. Getting the younger generation on your side, even before they’re old enough to vote, is of course a political tactic of proven value, but it’s unfortunate that it’s led to such stark partisanship.
Let’s spare a thought for the innocence of childhood. Growing up in the midst of values and principles being twisted – in the classroom, at home and on the computer screen – to suit political agendas, it is too optimistic to expect innocence to last. What’s being lost unnecessarily, though, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong.
There is solace in the fact that kids these days, smarter than their parents in many respects, have easier access to accurate information. Most children and teens are less naïve than their forebears as a result of technological advances, and perhaps this represents a better gift for Children’s Day than any toy or outing. We look forward to a brighter future too, and one far less confused.

RELATED
nationthailand