Yingluck honours the young

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra presented plaques to hundreds of outstanding youngsters from across the country at Government House yesterday in order to mark the upcoming Children's Day.

Thailand celebrates Children's Day on the second Saturday of January.

Of the 720 plaques handed out, 491 were for outstanding academic performance, while the remaining 229 were given to those who had won a good name for the country by winning contests overseas.

Yingluck said good education would help move the country forward, and urged young people to be careful with technology because it had its pros and cons. She also urged them to understand and practice what they learn and said everyone should be proud of Thai culture and uniqueness and should help conserve it.

She added that the next generation was capable of leading the country to prosperity.

The event also included an exhibition of gifts given to Yingluck prior to the plaque presentation ceremony.