Youth leadership shines bright in Koh Samui as Miss Methawee Jaiphian is elected president of the Children and Youth Council, representing students from four local schools. This inspiring election highlights the power of young voices in local governance and community engagement.
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Background and Legal Framework
The Children and Youth Council plays a vital role in promoting youth representation and participation in local governance across Thailand. Its establishment and operations are mandated under the National Child and Youth Development Promotion Act, B.E. 2550 (2007). This legislation aims to foster the skills, rights, and welfare of young people by giving them a structured platform to voice their opinions and contribute to community development initiatives. Section 22 of the Act specifically requires that each municipal-level Children and Youth Council forms an executive committee composed of a president and up to 20 members, with a focus on inclusive representation including children with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
Event Overview
On February 25, 2025, at 1:30 PM, the Koh Samui Municipality held the election for the Executive Committee of the Children and Youth Council at the Phet Samui Meeting Room within the municipal office. The election was presided over by Mr. Natthaphon Rattanarak, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui Municipality. The event drew attendance from a broad group of stakeholders, including the municipal executive team, the council president, council members, heads of government departments, social welfare staff, teachers, and students.
Participating Institutions
The election process encouraged broad participation from youth representing diverse educational backgrounds in the Koh Samui District. The following four key educational institutions were involved:
– Koh Samui School
– Koh Samui Vocational College
– Koh Samui District Learning Center
– Koh Samui Interdisciplinary College
This inclusive approach ensures that the council reflects the varied perspectives and experiences of young residents throughout the district.
Election Process and Candidates
The executive committee election followed transparent and participatory procedures. Three candidates stood for the position of president:
- Miss Suntaree Phuartsung
- Miss Methawee Jaiphian
- Mr. Kosin Muangsong
The electoral process allowed for equal opportunity, with each candidate presenting their vision and approach to leading the council. Voting was conducted among the members, ensuring a democratic selection.
Results of the Election
After the ballots were counted, the following positions were established:
- President: Miss Methawee Jaiphian
- First Vice-President: Mr. Kosin Muangsong
- Second Vice-President: Miss Suntaree Phuartsung
Additional key positions, including secretary, assistant secretary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer, were filled from among the members of the winning party. Remaining party members took up roles as committee members, ensuring a collaborative and representative executive team.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Executive Committee
The newly elected executive committee is tasked with overseeing the general administration of the council. Their duties include:
- Planning and Organizing Activities: Designing and implementing programs that support the personal and social development of children and youth in Koh Samui.
- Promoting Inclusion: Ensuring that activities and participation are accessible to children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Advisory Functions: Consulting with other council members and stakeholders to set priorities and guidelines for youth development initiatives.
- Advocacy and Representation: Representing the collective interests of youth in interactions with municipal authorities and external organizations.
Broader Impact of Youth Councils
Children and Youth Councils across Thailand serve as important incubators for civic engagement, leadership development, and social responsibility among young people. By giving youth a direct voice in local governance, these councils help instill democratic values and prepare the next generation for roles in public service and community leadership. The Koh Samui Municipality’s commitment to this process aligns with broader national goals for youth empowerment and social inclusion.
Additional Insights
The inclusion of children and youth from various educational institutions highlights the municipality’s dedication to equitable representation. Promoting the active involvement of underprivileged and disabled youth aligns with Thailand’s broader commitments under international frameworks, such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Moreover, municipal-level youth councils often act as a pipeline, providing young individuals with the skills and experience necessary to participate constructively in adult civic life.
Photos and further documentation of the event are available to the public, ensuring transparency and allowing community members to witness the process and the participants involved. For those interested, a collection of images capturing the proceedings can be viewed online.
For more details and visual highlights from the event, see the photo gallery: Event Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions: Executive Committee Election of the Children and Youth Council in Koh Samui
What is the purpose of the Children and Youth Council in Koh Samui and how is it legally established?
The Children and Youth Council in Koh Samui is designed to promote youth representation and participation in local governance. Its foundation and operations are mandated by the National Child and Youth Development Promotion Act, B.E. 2550 (2007), which aims to foster youth skills, rights, and welfare. The council provides a structured platform for young people to voice their opinions, contribute to community initiatives, and develop as future leaders. The law also ensures inclusive representation, including children with disabilities and those from underprivileged backgrounds.
How was the executive committee election conducted, and who were the main participants?
The executive committee election took place on February 25, 2025, at the Koh Samui Municipal Office, with municipal officials, teachers, and students in attendance. Youths from four major educational institutions participated:
– Koh Samui School
– Koh Samui Vocational College
– Koh Samui District Learning Center
– Koh Samui Interdisciplinary College
The process was transparent and participatory, with each presidential candidate presenting their vision. Voting was democratic, and the results were as follows:
– President: Miss Methawee Jaiphian
– First Vice-President: Mr. Kosin Muangsong
– Second Vice-President: Miss Suntaree Phuartsung
Other roles such as secretary and treasurer were filled from among the members, ensuring a collaborative executive team.
What are the main responsibilities of the newly elected executive committee, and what is the broader impact of such councils?
The executive committee is responsible for:
– Planning and organizing activities that support personal and social development of children and youth.
– Promoting inclusion by ensuring accessibility for disadvantaged and disabled youth.
– Advisory and advocacy roles representing the interests of the youth in discussions with municipal authorities and other organizations.
The broader impact of councils like this is the cultivation of civic engagement, leadership, and social responsibility among young people. By involving youth in governance, Koh Samui sets an example of youth empowerment and social inclusion, preparing the next generation for constructive participation in civic life.
For additional coverage and event photos, visit the Event Photo Gallery.