In Thailand, the second Saturday in January is designated as Wan Dek (Children’s Day). It’s a day when children receive gifts from family members and are generally treated with even more affection than normal. Children’s Day is supposed to reinforce the notion that parents must set a good example for their offspring and that children should show gratitude to their parents. On the Friday before Children’s Day, schools throughout Thailand lay on special events where youngsters take part in dance shows and teachers hand out presents to the students.
On Wan Dek, many tourist attractions see an influx of families who are able to take advantage of free or reduced entry prices for youngsters. It’s also a day when you will see Thai youngsters walking around with balloons and enjoying games and mini-concerts that are hosted in shopping centres, schools and the grounds of some temples. In Bangkok, Government House is a popular venue for families on Children’s Day with children receiving the privilege of being able to step foot inside the prime minister’s office.
