NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Date 31/08/2015

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY

Translated by Ms. Sirimas Boonrasri and Mr. Rob Dodson

Definitions

1.As defined in the Royal Institute Dictionary, edition of 2525 B.E., ‘Youth’ means "A person whose age is more than 14 years old, but not over 18 years old and who is not married.

2.The United Nation gives the international definition of Youth as teenagers whose ages are between 15-25 years old.

Historical Background

As the UN’s announcement designated the year 1985 to be International Youth Year, the cabinet agreed that September 20th of every year is "National Youth Day” because it is birthday of King Rama V and King Rama VIII, who reigned over the country when they were young.

In Thailand, Children’s Day is the second Saturday of January. The international meaning of youth indicates that young people are between 15-25 years of age, while the children are less than 14 years of age.

In Thailand, according to research, there are more than 11 million young people, and this will increase. From the 6th to 8th National Development Plan, there will be estimated 13 millions of young people. After that, the number will decrease.

From 1985, Youth will be promoted to have self-development and to take part in social and national development simultaneously. In addition, 11 million young people all over the country should realise that they have to share the responsibility in developing the country by themselves and to have the right norms such as consuming Thai products, being proud of Thai culture, preferring saving, having discipline and making a contribution to society, the nation and democracy, with the King as Head of State. Self-development alone is not an absolute development. Every youth has to share the social development in every way so that the country will progress tremendously.

Another important aspect of youth development is the private sector. A business sector should vigorously share the youth-development as the youth development carried out by the public sector only would not be sufficient. Actually, if the private sector shares in youth-development in the field of career training, youths will develop their skills and ability and, finally, generate revenue.

However, another important institution is the family. If parents understand and give the youth warmth and loving care, it will help them to be mature people.

Suggestions

Cultural activities to be held on the National Youth Day

Highlight:

1. The role and duty of family members (father, mother, grand father, grand mother, aunt, uncle) in relation to the youth.

2. The role and duty of youth towards family members.

3. Suggestions and examples of activities to be held in the National Youth Day (giving them understanding and knowledge of the role and duty of family members and practice in daily life).

1. The role and duty of family members in relation to youth

1.1 Practise as a good example for children.

1.2 Give children love and warmth.

1.3 Take care of, teach, suggest a good way of life and prohibit them from misconduct including:

- respecting elders

- being self-dependent diligent, responsible

- saving

- having discipline, acting under the law

- practising Buddhist Doctrine

2. The role and duty of youth towards family members:

2.1 Respect father, mother, grand father, grand mother, aunt, uncle.

2.2 Show good etiquette to them.

2.3 Help them in the family activities.

2.4 Be grateful to them.

3. Suggestions and examples of activities to be held on National Youth Day

3.1 Seminar in the topic concerned with

- Role and duty of family members.