The National Scout Organization of Thailand

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The National Scout Organization of Thailand
Organizational data
Headquarters	Bangkok
Country	Thailand
Founded	1911
Founder	King Vajiravudh, Rama VI
Membership	1,240,609
Chief Scout	King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX
Scouting portal

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 1,240,609 members (as of 2004) and is open to boys and girls.

[edit] 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 Scouting,^[1] but this 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 1st, 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 Organisation 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. Many programs continue to be developed to fulfill the needs of Thai young people and 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.^[1] Abhai Chandavimol served on the World Scout Committee of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1965 until 1971.

Five Thais have been honored with the Bronze Wolf, the highest distinction of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. It is 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).

[edit] Scouting and schools

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

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. ^[1]

[edit] Programs

Membership badge of The National Scout Organization of Thailand feature the head of a tiger. The country is within the tiger's range. The badge also carries the Scout Motto เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์.

Thai youth are normally placed in a Scouting program based on the school grade they are in, not their age.

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

[edit] Scout ideals and methods

Chief Scout: King Bhumibol (Rama IX)

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.
(Note: Thai Scouting is open to all religions)

Scout Motto: เสียชีพอย่าเสียสัตย์ Better to die than to lie
National Scout Day: July 1st

Jamboree badge of the Asia Pacific Scout Region

[edit] Major Scouting events in Thailand

[edit] International Scouting units in Thailand

There are two organizations focused on serving children of American military families living in Thailand and elsewhere in eastern Asia and the western Pacific: USA Girl Scouts Overseas, serviced by the West Pacific Girl Scout Council, and Boy Scouts of America, serviced by the Garuda District of the Far East Council. These councils serve BSA and GSUSA units composed of children of diplomatic, business and military personnel, and international units run under their auspices.

[edit] See also

• The Girl Guides Association of Thailand
• Amphoe Bang Khonthi
• World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood
• Yongyudh Vajaradul

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Scouting in Thailand
• USSP World Scouting
• Asia-Pacific Region Scouting
• Official Homepage (Thai only)