Youthful memories

Published on January 11, 2008

Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana made many contributions to society. Her talents and interests in education, art, culture, music, history as well as social welfare will be highlighted in this year's official book for the 53rd National Children's Day, which will be observed tomorrow. "Chuen Klao" ("Cherished Over One's Head"), the book's cover portrays a photograph of the Princess in a blue school uniform. Copies of the commemorative book will be sold for Bt10 each.

In observance of the period of mourning for the Princess, His Majesty the King's sister, who died on January 2 at the age of 84, the Education Ministry is refraining from organising merriment for the National Children's Day this year. Instead, the focus will be on educational activities and an exhibition to honour the Princess.

Assigned by a Cabinet resolution to host an annual Children's Day event on the second Saturday of January since 1955, the ministry this year moves the National Children's Day activities to the ministry's courtyard near Klong Padungkrungkasem.

In past years, the event has been held at Dusit Palace Plaza and Sanam Sua Pa. But with the Royal Household Bureau observing a 100-day mourning period for the Princess, it was appropriate for Children's Day activities to be held away from the royal areas, says permanent secretary for education Jaruayporn Thoranin.

Educational activities will include quizzes, with 4,000 gifts at the ready to be given to winners. There will also be an open house for children to visit important places, she says. WorkPoint Entertainment has arranged a children's version of the television quiz show "Game Tossakan", Jaruayporn says.

Thailand Toys and Hobbies Show

Under the concept "imagination is more important than knowledge", organiser Digiview Advertising Group presents the most interesting toys and hobbies to help develop children's skills in  a five-day exhibition, "Thailand Toys and Hobbies Show" at Halls 1 to 4 at Impact, Muang Thong Thani. Under way since Wednesday, the show is divided into zones for toys, skills and development, robots, science, games, sport recreation, adventure and a collector's corner.

In the robot zone, little inventors can learn about the evolution of robots and get a chance to control a giant robot by themselves. For budding scientists, there is a miniature laboratory, the "City of Science" exhibition by the National Science Museum offering practical scientific experience through scientific toys and activities as well as interactive science showcase.

A skills and development corner encourages children to show off their imagination with attractive activities like drawing cartoons, painting, practising cross-stitch and a competition to invent recyclable products. Artist Khun Pe See-nam conduct a workshop.

The sport recreation zone features a formation of 50 miniature aeroplanes and trains plus remote-control cars and planes competitions.

There are also many booths selling handmade products at reasonable prices.

The exhibition runs from 10am to 9pm today and 9am to 9pm tomorrow and Sunday. Tickets are Bt100 (children) and Bt150 (adult).

For details, call (02) 967 9999 ext 1716 or visit www.thailandtoys-hobbies.com

Adventures for Youngsters

The Children's Discovery Museum leads junior adventurers on a journey into the wonderful land of fairy tales in the interactive exhibition "Disney Learning Town". Here youths can discover marvellous worlds featuring favourite cartoon characters from six Disney stories including "Cinderella", "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "The Little Mermaid", "Beauty and the Beast", "Aladdin" and "Sleeping Beauty". At the playground children can venture with adventure valley, miraculous climbing net and rope bridge. There are also many workshops on how to make amulets.

 Near BTS: Mo Chit or MRT: Chatuchak, the museum is open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday to Friday, and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is free for children on Children's Day and Bt150 (for adult).

For details, call (02) 615 7333 extension 132 or visit www.bkkcdm.com or raklukedisneylearningtown.com

Thailand Knowledge Park

TK Park at CentralWorld presents activities and live musical performances in various zones. There will be an activity area where children will be entertained. Highlighted by a treasure hunt, winners will get prizes such as a large box of Harry Potter items and more. There will also be a musical show by students from Yamaha Thailand Music School, a puppet show, a painting competition and a theatre performance. The Children's Film Festival will screen 12 cartoons by Thai producers tomorrow and Sunday.

TK Park is on the eighth floor of CentralWorld, Zone D and is open 10am to 8pm Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is Bt20; annual membership is Bt200 (Bt100 for people under 25 or over 60).

For details, call (02) 257 4300 or visit tkpark.or.th.

Pattarawaadee Saengmamee