National Scout Organization of Thailand

The National Scout Organization of Thailand
Headquarters	Bangkok
Country	Thailand
Founded	July 1, 1911
Founder	King Vajiravudh, Rama VI
Membership	1,257,645
Chief Scout	King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX
Affiliation	World Organization of the Scout Movement
Website scoutthailand.org
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 1,257,645 members (as of 2011)^[1] 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 Scouting,^[2] 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.^[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 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 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.^[2]

Programs

Badge for girls taking part in the Scout program

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 and Air Scouts by the Royal Thai Air Force.

Scout ideals and methods

The highest rank of the National Scout Organization of Thailand

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.

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.

Jamboree badge of the Asia Pacific Scout Region

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 in Sattahip, Chonburi Province	28 December 2002 - 7 January 2003

See also

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

References

1. ^ "Triennal review: Census as at 1 December 2010". World Organization of the Scout Movement. http://scout.org/en/content/download/22261/199900/file/Census.pdf. Retrieved 2011-01-13. 
2. ^ ^{a b c} "Thai Scouting". Thaiscouting.com. http://www.thaiscouting.com/scouting.html. Retrieved 2006-07-25. 

External links

• Official website (Thai)
• Scouting in Thailand
• Asia-Pacific Region Scouting
• http://www.pinetreeweb.com/left5-4.htm