Phra nakhon si ayutthaya: The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, has initiated the "Good Citizens of the Province: Seeds of Goodness" youth camp, aimed at nurturing leadership qualities among young individuals from 25 provinces in central Thailand and Bangkok. The camp seeks to enhance life skills and civic responsibility, transforming participants into leaders capable of driving societal change.
According to Thai News Agency, the camp's opening ceremony for the fiscal year 2026 was presided over by Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, along with Mrs. Puttiporn Ploypakwan, Deputy Governor of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, and other officials. Held at the Krungsri River Hotel in Ayutthaya Province, the event gathered exemplary youth, officials, and media representatives to mark the commencement of this initiative.
Mr. Chaiyapol Suk-iam emphasized the importance of promoting morality and ethics among the youth, who play a crucial role in shaping the country's future. The camp aims to provide young people with opportunities to develop their potential, encouraging them to grow into leaders of change who can spread goodness to those around them. The project is designed to be a "space of opportunity," facilitating the exchange of experiences and collaborative learning to develop leadership skills and teamwork.
The camp, conducted from August 21-23, 2026, integrated experiential learning and historical site visits to connect morality with everyday life. Activities included a volunteer training workshop led by instructors from the Royal Volunteer School 904, and visits to cultural landmarks like the Ayutthaya Historical Park. Participants engaged in workshops to explore their potential and develop community projects, fostering a sense of social responsibility.
A significant feature of the camp was the "Decoding Your Identity, Discovering Yourself" activity, which provided a platform for youths to explore personal strengths and life goals. This was complemented by Dharma-based activities led by Phra Suthi Wachirapatiphan, encouraging the application of Buddhist principles in various aspects of life.
The Director-General highlighted the project's goal of expanding goodness through networks, encouraging youth to implement their camp-developed ideas in their communities. The Department of Religious Affairs envisions the project as a foundation for a nationwide network of virtuous youth who can contribute to a stable and sustainable society.
The "Good Citizens of the Province: Seeds of Goodness" project aims to empower young individuals to utilize their potential for community benefit, ultimately shaping them into quality citizens committed to civic responsibility and social accountability.