The National Scout Organization of Thailand
Encyclopedia
The National Scout Organization of Thailand (NSOT, คณะลูกเสือแห่งชาติ) is the national Scouting
organization of Thailand
. Scouting was founded in Thailand in 1911 and was among the charter members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
in 1922. The organization has 1,257,645 members (as of 2011) and is open to boys and girls.
, but it was more likely fourth. King Rama VI received his education in England
and was the first Thai monarch to have studied abroad. He graduated from Oxford University and also attended Sandhurst Military Academy. As a result of all this contact with Great Britain
, he brought back with him many new ideas; one of them being Scouting. Back in Thailand, he first established the "Wild Tiger Corps" for adults and created a junior branch which continues today as the Scouts. King Rama VI is fondly remembered as the "Father of Thai Scouting" and every year on Scout Day, on July 1, Scouts pay homage to his image and take part in parades.
Thailand is the only country in the world where Scouting was directly founded by a monarch. It is also honored with being one of the Founder Members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement back in 1922. Scouting appeals to the people of Thailand and receives strong support from the Royal family and government, which has facilitated the steady growth and development of the organization. The present monarch, King Rama IX, is the Chief Scout and under his patronage, Scouting has flourished in Thailand. Thai Scouting has received much publicity due to its impressive work during emergencies. Such work includes taking part in ambulance and first aid teams, helping the Fire Brigade and assisting in flood control.
Abhai Chandavimol
served on the World Scout Committee of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
from 1965 to 1971. Five Thais have been honored with the Bronze Wolf
, the highest distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
, awarded for execeptional services to Scouting. Recipients and the year they received the Bronze Wolf are: Abhai Chandavimol (1971), Dansuputra Chitra (1976), Visudharomn Kong (1980), and Bhethai Amatayakul (1984), and His Majesty The King of Thailand Rama IX
(2006).
Scouting in Thailand is unique in that it is part of the school curriculum and receives strong support from the Thai government and people. Even the Royal Family are keen members. King Bhumibol (Rama IX) is the Chief Scout.
Although Scouting is part of the school program, especially for grades 6-8, it is not actually mandatory. Options do exist for participation in other youth programs, such as the Thai Red Cross; however, the vast majority of Thai youth participate in Scouting. Scouts wear their Scout uniforms to school once a week, though which day of the week is set by the local schools.
Sea Scouts are supported by the Royal Thai Navy
and Air Scouts by the Royal Thai Air Force
.
King Scout
: this award is available to Senior Scouts and is the Thai equivalent of the Eagle Scout
award in American Scouting
.
Scout Promise
: On my honour I promise that I will be loyal to the Nation, the Religion and the King; help other people at all times; and obey the Scout Law.
Scout Law
:
A Scout's honour is to be trusted.
A Scout is loyal to his Nation, his Religion, his King and is faithful to his benefactors.
A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout in the world.
A Scout is courteous.
A Scout is kind to animals.
A Scout respectfully obeys the orders of his parents and his superiors.
A Scout is very cheerful and is not afraid of troubles.
A Scout is thrifty.
A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.
Scout Motto: เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์ Better to die than to lie
National Scout Day: July 1
The membership badge of The National Scout Organization of Thailand features the head of a tiger
. The country is within the tiger's range. The badge also carries the Scout Motto.
Scouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
organization of Thailand
Thailand
Thailand , officially the Kingdom of Thailand , formerly known as Siam , is a country located at the centre of the Indochina peninsula and Southeast Asia. It is bordered to the north by Burma and Laos, to the east by Laos and Cambodia, to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia, and to the...
. Scouting was founded in Thailand in 1911 and was among the charter members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is the Non-governmental international organization which governs most national Scout Organizations, with 31 million members. WOSM was established in 1920, and has its headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland...
in 1922. The organization has 1,257,645 members (as of 2011) and is open to boys and girls.
Early history
Scouting was first introduced in Thailand on July 1, 1911 by King Rama VI, who is known as the Father of Thai Scouting. Thailand claims to be the third country in the world to establish ScoutingScouting
Scouting, also known as the Scout Movement, is a worldwide youth movement with the stated aim of supporting young people in their physical, mental and spiritual development, that they may play constructive roles in society....
, but it was more likely fourth. King Rama VI received his education in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and was the first Thai monarch to have studied abroad. He graduated from Oxford University and also attended Sandhurst Military Academy. As a result of all this contact with Great Britain
Great Britain
Great Britain or Britain is an island situated to the northwest of Continental Europe. It is the ninth largest island in the world, and the largest European island, as well as the largest of the British Isles...
, he brought back with him many new ideas; one of them being Scouting. Back in Thailand, he first established the "Wild Tiger Corps" for adults and created a junior branch which continues today as the Scouts. King Rama VI is fondly remembered as the "Father of Thai Scouting" and every year on Scout Day, on July 1, Scouts pay homage to his image and take part in parades.
Thailand is the only country in the world where Scouting was directly founded by a monarch. It is also honored with being one of the Founder Members of the World Organization of the Scout Movement back in 1922. Scouting appeals to the people of Thailand and receives strong support from the Royal family and government, which has facilitated the steady growth and development of the organization. The present monarch, King Rama IX, is the Chief Scout and under his patronage, Scouting has flourished in Thailand. Thai Scouting has received much publicity due to its impressive work during emergencies. Such work includes taking part in ambulance and first aid teams, helping the Fire Brigade and assisting in flood control.
Abhai Chandavimol
Abhai Chandavimol
Abhai Chandavimol of The National Scout Organization of Thailand served on the World Scout Committee of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1965 to 1971....
served on the World Scout Committee of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is the Non-governmental international organization which governs most national Scout Organizations, with 31 million members. WOSM was established in 1920, and has its headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland...
from 1965 to 1971. Five Thais have been honored with the Bronze Wolf
Bronze Wolf
The Bronze Wolf Award is bestowed by the World Scout Committee to acknowledge "outstanding service by an individual to the World Scout Movement"...
, the highest distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement
World Organization of the Scout Movement
The World Organization of the Scout Movement is the Non-governmental international organization which governs most national Scout Organizations, with 31 million members. WOSM was established in 1920, and has its headquarters at Geneva, Switzerland...
, awarded for execeptional services to Scouting. Recipients and the year they received the Bronze Wolf are: Abhai Chandavimol (1971), Dansuputra Chitra (1976), Visudharomn Kong (1980), and Bhethai Amatayakul (1984), and His Majesty The King of Thailand Rama IX
Bhumibol Adulyadej
Bhumibol Adulyadej is the current King of Thailand. He is known as Rama IX...
(2006).
Scouting and schools
Although Scouting is part of the school program, especially for grades 6-8, it is not actually mandatory. Options do exist for participation in other youth programs, such as the Thai Red Cross; however, the vast majority of Thai youth participate in Scouting. Scouts wear their Scout uniforms to school once a week, though which day of the week is set by the local schools.
Programs
Thai youth are normally placed in a Scouting program based on the school grade they are in, not their age.| Program | Grade | Ages |
|---|---|---|
| Cub Scouts | 1-3 | 8-10 |
| Scouts | 4-6 | 11-13 |
| Senior Scouts | 7-9 | 14-16 |
| Rover | 10 to young adults | 17-25 |
| Sea Scouts | 10 to young adults | 17-25 |
| Air Scouts | 10 to young adults | 17-25 |
Sea Scouts are supported by the Royal Thai Navy
Royal Thai Navy
The Royal Thai Navy is the navy of Thailand and part of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, it was established in the late 19th century. Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartiwongse is "The Father of Royal Thai Navy". Similar to the organizational structure of the United States, the Royal Thai Navy includes the...
and Air Scouts by the Royal Thai Air Force
Royal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
.
Scout ideals and methods
Chief Scout: King Bhumibol (Rama IX)King Scout
King's Scout Award
King's Scout can refer to several ranks in Scout organizations around the world:*King Scout, the highest rank in the National Scout Organization of Thailand*Pengakap Raja, the highest rank in the Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia...
: this award is available to Senior Scouts and is the Thai equivalent of the Eagle Scout
Eagle Scout (Boy Scouts of America)
Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program of the Boy Scouts of America . A Scout who attains this rank is called an Eagle Scout or Eagle. Since its introduction in 1911, the Eagle Scout rank has been earned by more than 2 million young men...
award in American Scouting
Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with over 4.5 million youth members in its age-related divisions...
.
Scout Promise
Scout Promise
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law. The wording of the Scout Promise and Scout Law have varied slightly over time and from country to...
: On my honour I promise that I will be loyal to the Nation, the Religion and the King; help other people at all times; and obey the Scout Law.
Scout Law
Scout Law
Since the publication of Scouting for Boys in 1908, all Scouts and Guides around the world have taken a Scout Promise or oath to live up to ideals of the movement, and subscribed to a Scout Law...
:
A Scout is loyal to his Nation, his Religion, his King and is faithful to his benefactors.
A Scout's duty is to be useful and to help others.
A Scout is a friend to all, and a brother to every other Scout in the world.
A Scout is courteous.
A Scout is kind to animals.
A Scout respectfully obeys the orders of his parents and his superiors.
A Scout is very cheerful and is not afraid of troubles.
A Scout is thrifty.
A Scout is clean in thought, word and deed.
Scout Motto: เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์ Better to die than to lie
National Scout Day: July 1
The membership badge of The National Scout Organization of Thailand features the head of a tiger
Tiger
The tiger is the largest cat species, reaching a total body length of up to and weighing up to . Their most recognizable feature is a pattern of dark vertical stripes on reddish-orange fur with lighter underparts...
. The country is within the tiger's range. The badge also carries the Scout Motto.
Major Scouting events in Thailand
| Event | Year |
|---|---|
| 3rd Asia Pacific Scout Conference | 1963 |
| 33rd World Scout Conference | 1993 |
| 38th Asia Pacific Basic Management Course | 1994 |
| 1st Asia Pacific Scout Camp & Hostel Management Workshop | 1996 |
| Asia-Pacific Seminar for Adult Resources Committee Chairmen & Executives | 2001 |
| 20th World Scout Jamboree 20th World Scout Jamboree The 20th World Scout Jamboree took place in the naval base in Sattahip, Thailand. It was the second World Jamboree to be held in Southeast Asia after the Philippines hosted the event in 1959.... in Sattahip, Chonburi Province Chonburi Province Chonburi is a province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi and Rayong. To the west is the Gulf of Thailand. The eastern seaboard is heavily industrialized and underpinned by shipping, transportation, tourism, and manufacturing industries, and second to only Bangkok... |
28 December 2002 - 7 January 2003 |
See also
- Girl Guides Association of Thailand
- Amphoe Bang KhonthiAmphoe Bang Khonthi-Geography:The district is located slightly inland at the northwestern tip of the Bay of Bangkok. Neighboring districts are Mueang Samut Songkhram, Amphawa, Wat Phleng, Mueang Ratchaburi and Damnoen Saduak, the latter three in Ratchaburi Province...
- World Buddhist Scout BrotherhoodWorld Buddhist Scout BrotherhoodThe World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood is an autonomous, international body committed to promoting and supporting Buddhism within Scouting. The WBSB began as a means to facilitate religious activities among Buddhist Scouts...
- Yongyudh VajaradulYongyudh VajaradulProfessor Yongyudh Vajaradul is a pioneer in the field of tissue banking and the use of bone allografts in orthopedic surgery, and serves as the Chairman of the World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood...
External links
- Official website
- Scouting in Thailand
- Asia-Pacific Region Scouting
- http://www.pinetreeweb.com/left5-4.htm