Today is Children’s Day in Thailand and is celebrated with events around the country aimed at young people. The day is known as “Wan Dek” (literally “day children”). Wan dek is supposed to reinforce the notion that parents must set a good example for their offspring and that children should show gratitude to their parents. Thai youngsters can be seen today walking around with balloons and enjoying games and mini-concerts that are being hosted in shopping centres, schools and the grounds of some temples. In Bangkok, Government House is a popular venue for families on Children’s Day with children receiving the privilege of being able to step foot inside the prime minister’s office
A Bangkok survey asked youngsters what they wanted for Children’s Day and apart from the predictable requests for toys, computers and mobile phones there were plenty of signs that Thai youngsters were happy with less materialistic gifts. Amongst the things that children asked for were peace and unity in Thailand, loyalty to the monarchy and love from their parents. Asked how they wanted parents to set a good example, 91% responded by saying showing loyalty to the monarchy.
