What did you do on Children’s Day? We, the members of the Young People Advisory Board (YPAB), had the opportunity to shadow the Bangkok Governor, Mr. Chatchard Sittipunt, and Deputy Governor, Mr. Sanon Wangsrangboon, as they went on a day filled with activities in Bangkok, the capital city known for its social and cultural diversity. Follow us as we explore the roles of Bangkok Governor and Deputy Governor on Children’s Day! We learned so much from this experience, and we hope that this diary will energize and bring a smile on our readers.Are you ready? Let’s go!
Children’s Discovery Museum
On their first mission, Top and Ruangkao went to the Children’s Discovery Museum, located near the Mixt shopping mall at Chatuchak and BTS Mo Chit. The museum includes a learning space that uses a virtual reality and a 4D theater to tell the story of Bangkok.
Benjakitti Park
For Haris and Nicha, their first mission was to follow the Deputy Governor Sanon and the Governor of Fukuoka to Benjakitti Park, where they learned about how proper urban planning can tackle flood issues and conserve water from the rainy season to be used during droughts.
Children’s Day Event at Bangkok Youth Center
(Thai-Japan)
We felt the joy of Children’s Day activities that had been missing in the past few years. Children and youth performed their talent shows on the main stage. The stalls, which were collaborations between public sector, civil society, and private sector, offered a variety of activities for the children. These activities celebrated diversity and the unique talents of each kid, as well as their dreams.
Children’s Day Event at Angoon Garden
Located at Thonglor Soi 3, this public park and learning space is right at the heart of the city. The Children’s Day event held here had the theme “Gender Inclusion for Every Child”, advocating for gender equality. We had the opportunity to meet friends from the Children and Youth Council network, who shared stories of how they drove changes in society. Everyone's eyes seemed to shine with determination to drive Bangkok's development into everyone's ideal city.
The Power of Civil Society Network
After our adventure to many places, we had a chance to observe a meeting between Deputy Governor Sanon, Thai Health Promotion, and representatives from each district under the topic “The Power of Civil Society Network and Trends for Development of Bangkok”. The session focused on how to bridge the gap between civil society and policymakers in order to work better together and solve common problems.
Rod Fai Park - Chatuchak Park - Sirikit Park
Our last stop was Chatuchak, where there are three parks: Rod Fai Park, Chatuchak Park, and Sirikit Park. These are recreational spaces for Bangkok residents and their families, with countless activities such as badminton, drawing, reading, enjoying the trees and the nature, or relaxing with cool breeze and sunshine. The four of us sat in a circle on the grass with the UNICEF Team to discuss what we had learned and what we thought about making our city even a greater one.
Something to Share with Other Youths
Panupan (Top) Pitak
There always is price to pay for changes towards a better future. It might cost physical strength, emotional power, or the feeling that we have to trade for our dream. But one thing that I would like to remind everyone is to hold onto their dreams without giving up.
Watwaree (Ruangkao) Chaimongkol
To create change, you may not need to be a leader who always invent new solutions. Every community requires a good follower to amplify the many good policies that already exist. I believe that everyone can be a good supporter of your community.
Nattanicha (Nicha) Kattiyavara
While working on tasks, we may encounter obstacles. Sometimes we may experience burnout and think that the task is impossible. It is normal to encounter these challenges, but we must be reminded to look into the mirror, find your safe zone, and encourage ourselves as the protagonists of our own stories. After all, the only person who can write our story is ourselves.
Muhammadharis (Haris) Jiman
Today, you don’t need to answer yourself what you want to be in the future. There is no need for big and impossible dreams. There is no need to grow up fast and forget to enjoy our teenage years. Instead, if we do what we love and enjoy it, opportunities will arise, and we will realize that what we are doing and our existence have positive impacts on the world.
