National Scout Organization of Thailand
HeadquartersChonburi
Location60/38 Sukhumwit Rd., Si Racha, Chon Buri, Thailand 20110
CountryThailand
FoundedJuly 1, 1911
FounderKing Vajiravudh
Membership828,248
Chief ScoutKing of Thailand
AffiliationWorld Organization of the Scout Movement
Website
www.scoutthailand.org

The National Scout Organization of Thailand (NSOT; Thai: คณะลูกเสือแห่งชาติ, RTGS: Khana Luksuea Haeng Chat) 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. It is currently regulated by the Scouting Act, BE 2551 (2008). The organization has 828,248 members (as of 2013)[1] and is open to boys and girls.

Early history

Thai pupils in Scouting dress gathering at Na Wa High School, Nakhon Phanom province (Isan)

Scouting was first introduced in Thailand as a branch of the Wild Tiger Corps 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 Scouting,[2] but it was more likely fourth. King Rama VI brought back the idea of Scouting from Great Britain where he studied.[2]

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 exceptional services to Scouting. Recipients and the year they received the Bronze Wolf are: Abhai Chandavimol (1971), Chitra Dansuputra (1976), Kong Visudharomn (1980), and Bhethai Amatayakul (1984), and Bhumibol Adulyadej (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.[2]

Programs

Thai youth are normally placed in a Scouting program based on the school grade they are in, not their age. These are also open to both boys and girls.

Program Grade Ages
Cub Scouts 1-3 7-9
Scouts 4-6 10-12
Senior Scouts 7-9 13-15
Rover 10 to young adults 16-25
Sea Scouts 10 to young adults 16-25
Air Scouts 10 to young adults 16-25

Sea Scouts are supported by the Royal Thai Navy and Air Scouts by the Royal Thai Air Force.

Scout ideals and methods

Colours of the National Scout Organization of Thailand
Colours of Thai Provincial Scout
  • Chief Scout: King of Thailand
  • King Scout: this award is available to Senior Scouts and is the Thai equivalent of the Eagle Scout award in American Scouting.
  • Scout Motto: "Better to die than to lie" (เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์; RTGS: sia chip ya sia sat)
  • 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.

Major events

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 in Sattahip, Chonburi Province 28 December 2002 - 7 January 2003
4th ASEAN Scout Jamboree in Si Racha, Chonburi Province 27 November 2013 - 4 December 2013

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Triennal review: Census as at 1 December 2010" (PDF). World Organization of the Scout Movement. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 May 2012. Retrieved 2011-01-13.
  2. 1 2 3 "Thai Scouting". Thaiscouting.com. Archived from the original on 2006-07-17. Retrieved 2006-07-25.
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