Challenges and Opportunities – How to Create a Brighter Future for Thai Youth Key Issues If any child was asked “What is your dream?” – a variety of answers could come out. He or she may want to become a doctor, pilot, or fireman, or may want to travel across the world to discover different countries and cultures. He or she may also have different views on what an “ideal society” looks like. At the “Thailand Youth Open Space Discussion” – jointly organized by the World Bank, Siam University, and various local NGOs and youth organizations - 150 youths between the ages of 15 – 24 and from various regions in Thailand, engaged in such discussions, voicing their concerns and opinions on how they see their future and view today’s Thai society. The event took place at Siam University on Sept. 16-17, 2006. The meeting demonstrated the power the voices of youth can have – reinforcing the need to engage and listen to those who are most affected by the changes in today’s society. What are your dreams for your society? Under the overarching theme of “Challenges and Opportunities – How to Create a Brighter Future for Thai Youth,” the participants held discussions around the topic of “What does your ideal society look like?” Youth responded to these questions on paper. The answers were classified into 6 areas of concern: education; social, political, and economic matters; national harmony; environment; drugs; and HIV/AIDS. Such areas were further divided into 64 issues or points to debate. There were four sessions of discussion, one of each focusing on 16 points with 16 groups of discussion. Each group was led by one youth participant who had suggested an answer to a specific point. The other participants – whose answers were not related to the main point - engaged in the discussions and shared their views. Youth from different regions or parts of the country, and with different socio-economic backgrounds exchanged their ideas and “dreams” enthusiastically. Most youth stated that their dream was to successfully complete their study and pursue their career perspectives, to reform the nation’s education system into one that is just and fair, to urge adults to listen to children, to encourage harmony among Thai people, to live in a beautiful environment, to preserve good cultures, to experience a spread of development through the country, to have media which specifically target youth issues, and to reform the current political system. These heated discussions created a lot of emotion throughout Siam University’s sports stadium – where the Open Space was taking place. Mr. Noppadon Sitthichareon or “Tha,” a youth participant from Kokglang sub-district and Tambon Administrative Office in Burirum province, cited that his dream was to finish his studies and get a job. He felt selfish to have a dream which only focused on his own fulfillments, but highlighted that with a good job, he would be able to help his family and be a good citizen. Mr. Surin Sinthas or “Yam” from Lipaimas School in Burirum province said he wanted to gain the wisdom and knowledge taught through Thai culture, and preserve this culture since it is an important base for our society. “In Burirum, my hometown, people are generous. They help each other during paddy season or during any community traditional fairs. But, at the present, things are different. Youth have no such interests. They just play and think of themselves, and leave elderly people all alone to go about their business. If possible, I would like to see all the communities of Thailand preserve the wisdom, knowledge and values that is apparent in our traditional Thai culture and which has started to be forgotten about in our modern society.” Mr. Sinthas further stated that this issue mainly concerned youth who overall do not seem to value traditional Thai culture. They rarely know their own traditions and community cultures. Elderly people have become old, and adults are only focusing on their jobs. Youth just play, and think about having fun and satisfying their own personal needs. Mr. Koonkao Bajornbutri, a student from Mahavachiravoot School, said that he wanted to see changes in the Thai education system, especially because the current system only emphasizes memorizing lessons instead of engaging students in critical thinking. “Education is a basic foundation of society and a necessity for all. However, right now the schooling system only emphasizes the need to memorize things - the more you memorize the better score you get, even in mathematic subjects. Knowing how to think for yourself and make decisions should be a key and fundamental part of the Thai education system.” Opportunities and Challenges Youth then raised their opinions and made suggestions on how to improve today’s society and try to create an ideal one. They also addressed the question of what they feel are their current opportunities and challenges. Mr. Ukrit Wanakosum student from Mahavachiravoot School said that society should learn to listen to children and young adults. During the meeting, he presented his idea that children’s voices and opinions should be trusted. “Adults do not listen to children because they think adults are always right. This is not true and makes communication boring. I don’t know what to do. I try to explain how I feel to my parents and teachers, but it does not work,” he stated. Regarding opportunities and challenges, he mentioned that we as youth must try to be reasonable in order to convince adults to listen to us. He however felt unsure and negative that his expectations may be too high. At any rate, the reason behind this meeting was to open a space for youth to have the opportunity to communicate actively and frankly, and put their cards on the table. Mr. Sinthas said that this panel offered youth a chance to consider and present their wishes and views. How to make their dreams become a reality will be truly challenging. “What can we – as young people – do to change things? There may not be an answer to this question since we are simply children and cannot solve everything alone. This event opened our eyes to various issues and concerns, and has shined a light on the areas and things we – as youth – can improve and fight for.” Ms. Patchara Sonsa, a first year student from the faculty of public health of Mahasarakham University, said this meeting was a good opportunity for her as a student to identify, discuss, and share ideas with others and understand more about the political and democratic matters youth today in Thailand are concerned with. She proposed to have this type of meeting more often. “I think organizing these kinds of meetings will help gather youth from all over the country, and create partnerships as well as collaboration between the youth themselves and the organizations they work with, as well as push youth to be courageous and voice their opinions,” Khun Patchara stated. To this end, no one can deny that “dreams” are always beautiful, and should ideally be fulfilled, especially those of youth which are still rather positive, clear, and idealistic.
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