National Children’s Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of January. This year’s theme is ‘Love Thailand, Care for the World’.
In the lead-up to the celebrations, the Phuket Special Education Center, in collaboration with the Phuket Air Traffic Control Center, held a New Year and National Children’s Day activity yesterday (Jan 8).
The event took place at 9:30am at the Phuket Special Education Center and was officially opened by Danai Ounsrisong, Director of the Phuket Air Traffic Control Center. Also attending were Tianchulee Nakasen, Director of the Phuket Special Education Center, Somsong Prasansom, Vice Chairperson of the School Board, along with teachers and educational personnel.
Ms Tianchulee said National Children’s Day is intended to encourage all sectors of society to participate in the development of children and youth, noting that children are a vital national resource who must be supported to reach their full potential.
She explained that the centre organised the event to promote students’ awareness of the significance of National Children’s Day, provide opportunities to participate in social activities, and encourage creative self-expression through an integrated and joyful learning environment.
“The activities support holistic development in physical, emotional, mental, social and intellectual aspects, while strengthening cooperation between schools, families and the wider community,” Ms Tianchulee said.
The event received primary support from the Phuket Air Traffic Control Center, which provided B20,000 for food, drinks, gifts, prizes and scholarships. Additional scholarships were donated by staff members, bringing the total to 62 scholarships.
Activities included student performances from the Phuket Provincial Special Education Center, musical performances by students from Ban Kathu Municipal School 2, performances by the parallel classroom for autistic students at Ban Chalong School, raffles for gifts and scholarships, and awards for performances and costumes.
Mr Danai thanked the organising committee and offered his blessings to the children, wishing them good health, wisdom and strength to grow into important contributors to the country’s future.
PATONG CELEBRATIONS AT LOMA PARK
Meanwhile, Patong Municipality is inviting children and families to join its National Children’s Day celebrations at Loma Park from 8am to 2pm tomorrow.
Registration for activities will be open from 8am to 9am. The event will feature more than 20 recreational activity booths operated by government agencies and private-sector organisations, along with bouncy castles, slides, trampolines and free food and drinks for children throughout the day.
In preparation for the event, Patong Mayor Lalita Maneesri, together with municipal executives, council members and department heads, formally received prizes and sponsorship items from local businesses earlier this week at the Patong Municipal Office.
On Monday (Jan 5), donations were accepted from private-sector organisations in the Patong area, followed by additional support received on Wednesday (Jan 7) from Pisona Group Co Ltd. The municipality expressed its appreciation to all sponsors for supporting the 2026 Children’s Day activities.
ROYAL MESSAGE
The Royal Message for National Children’s Day 2026, issued from Amphorn Sathan Throne Hall, Dusit Palace, emphasised the importance of discipline.
The message stated that discipline is not merely about obeying rules, but about self-control and choosing what is right, leading to true happiness and prosperity. Children were encouraged to practise discipline until it becomes a normal habit.
ISLAND-WIDE EVENTS
In addition to events in Thalang and Patong, National Children’s Day activities will be held at numerous locations across Phuket.
Venues include Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, Saphan Hin, Nai Harn Lake, Sirinat National Park, Loma Park, Thalang National Museum, Phuket Airpark, Phuket Deep Sea Port, shopping centres, community parks and entertainment venues.
Most events begin between 8am and 10am tomorrow, with additional activities continuing into the afternoon and on Sunday.
Authorities are encouraging families to participate in local events and to support activities that promote learning, creativity and positive development for children across the island.