Kids everywhere as Eastern Seaboard celebrates Children’s Day
From navy ships to city halls, airports to shopping malls, kids were everywhere as the Eastern Seaboard celebrated Thailand’s annual Children’s Day.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome opened festivities in Pattaya early Jan. 14, reading a proclamation from Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in front of a city hall building blocked off to traffic to let thousands of kids run wild.
This little one is coloring inside the lines during one of the many activities held throughout Pattaya for this year’s Children’s Day. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra advised Thailand’s children to obtain “Unity, knowledge, and wisdom, whilst preserving Thai identity and learning technology” in her message to children on this special day.
The impromptu fairground saw displays of military vehicles from the Royal Thai Army and Marine Corps, rides on cranes and “apple pickers” from the Pattaya Disaster Relief and Mitigation Department and booths with games, food and refreshments.
At the Banglamung Home for Boys, about 300 youngsters joined in a morning merit-making activity, followed by recreational activities, food and dessert. The day was capped off with a football match, flag races and eating competitions.
Similar scenes were repeated throughout the city, with thousands of parents taking their children out for fun and games at Central Festival Pattaya Beach, the Sanctuary of Truth, Royal Garden Plaza, Pattaya Floating Market and Redemptorist School for the Blind.
In Chonburi, Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai was on hand for festivities at Chonburi City Hall.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome recites the Prime Minister’s Children’s Day message.
Following the national government’s slogan of “Unity, knowledge, and wisdom, whilst preserving Thai identity and learning technology,” the celebration featured musical, stage and traditional arts performances; reading activities, games, jokes and exhibitions of slingshots and paramotor vehicles.
Khomsan presented prizes to children with good behavior and grades and wished for all the children to carry out HM the King’s royal wishes as much as possible.
Balloons fill the air at Prince Chumporn Park on Children’s Day in Sattahip.
In Sattahip, both military and civilian officials threw open their doors for kids, with Mayor Narong Bunbancherdsri presiding over exhibitions of trains, gliders, and hot-air balloons. The fair offered games and rides, food and drinks to more than 3,000 children at Nong Ta-kien Public Park.
Another 2,000 + kids stormed the Royal Thai Navy’s flagship.
Rear Adm. Nawin Thonnet, commander of the Helicopter Carrier Fleet, welcomed waves of children from across the country who had travelled to Sattahip to participate in Children’s Day activities at Juk Samet Pier Jan. 13. More than 2,000 boarded the HTMS Chakri Naruebet for a tour, with a select group treated to a sail along the Sattahip coast aboard a support ship, giving the kids a chance to view seven islands and a display of military might.
Not all the children could fit onboard the ship at the same time, so the rest were given their own tour of the Sattahip coastline by Adm. Surasak Rhungruengrom. They were treated to a show of navy ships and aircraft.
Other Children’s Day activities included tours of the Sea Turtle Convention Center, Air and Coastal Defense Command, Juk Samet Pier, Samae San, Laem-Thien Pier, and U-Tapao Pattaya International Airport, where almost 10,000 people turned out for aircraft displays, skydivers and navy band performances.
The commander of Royal Thai Navy Region 1 was also busy on Children’s Day, handing out awards.
Coming in for a landing in U-Tapao.
Vice Adm. Phongsak Phureeroj hosted the Jan. 14 party at Prince Chumphon Camp, presenting awards to winners of the Healthy Children contest sponsored by the Mother’s Breast Milk Center for Navy Children.
The contest was organized to strengthen family bonds and develop children. Mothers who breast feed their babies while telling them stories help nutritional and physical growth, members of the Navy Wives Association said. The turnout was massive as many navy families attended with their children.
Fishing for prizes at the Sanctuary of Truth.
The navy commander spoke to the children of navy personnel, focusing on those who are stationed in Thailand’s troubled southern provinces. He urged them to improve themselves spiritually and work to earn the pride of teachers and parents.
Look at me, I’m a Thai dancer at the Sanctuary of Truth.
Navy officers also held more personal celebrations, such as Vice Adm. Saema Suvanchok, who returned to Navigyothinburana School, which he once attended, to throw a Children’s Day party for current pupils.
Principal Suphanee Klangngen welcomed the 1,500 students and helped hand out 100 scholarships worth 50,000 baht.
There were also military activities, demonstrations of weapons, students performing on stage and games.
Winners received prizes. Food and drinks were served.
Feeding the carp at Pattaya Underwater World.
Students at Pattaya School #9 love performing with their musical instruments on Children’s Day.
The Pattaya Floating Market’s mascots are big hits with the kids.
Learning about nature at the Sanctuary of Truth.
Blind students receive a great donation on their day.
Playing traditional Thai games at the Banglamung Home for Boys.
Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai recites the Prime Minister’s message of “Unity, knowledge, and wisdom, whilst preserving Thai identity and learning technology” at Chonburi’s grand Children’s Day celebrations.
Youngsters open savings accounts at the Gov. Savings Bank, hopefully to help pay for their future education.
Pretty girls perform a well rehearsed dance at Pattaya City Hall.
Having your face painted is a time honored ritual on Children’s Day at the Royal Garden Plaza.
Hoola Hoops are a big hit at Central Festival Pattaya Beach.
Wow, this is much heavier than it looks!
Vice Adm. Phongsak Phureeroj hands out awards at the navy’s annual children’s day celebration in Sattahip.
Little ones do their best singing star imitations on the Central Festival Pattaya Beach stage.
Thousands of children and their families create a busy atmosphere in front of Pattaya City Hall.
It’s great fun getting away from studies for a little while at school on Children’s Day.
A select group of families are treated to a mini cruise along the Sattahip coast.
Thailand’s only aircraft carrier, the HTMS Chakri Naruebet is always a popular attraction on Children’s Day.
Ready, aim, but don’t fire! at Pattaya City Hall.
Face painting, clowns and balloons – what more could you ask for on Children’s Day?
