JEDDAH — The Royal Thai Consulate General in cooperation with the Thai community in the Western province organized the National Children's Day at the consulate's premises on Saturday. Approximately 300 children living in Jeddah and Makkah participated in this event. Acting Thai Consul General Muhamad Lutfee Useng delivered his speech and declared the opening of the event. “Children are the future of the nation, if children are intelligent, the country will be prosperous,” said Useng. Several games and activities had been arranged for children to play and show off their talents. The children also exchanged gifts with each other and enjoyed food and drink prepared by the consulate and Thai Community. In Thailand, the National Children's Day is marked on the second Saturday of January of every year. It's Thailand's annual event to acknowledge the rights of children. Parliament opens for children to visit on this day. Children have the chance to sit on the prime minister's seat as well as to learn about Thai democracy. Other governmental units such as Royal Thai Air Force and Royal Thai Army are also open for children's visit. The 2014 Children's Day motto, given by the Prime Minister of Thailand is “Be grateful, know your duties, uphold discipline, help build the nation.” — SG
