KidZania ProjectTakes Thai Kids to ASEAN

(14-05-2013)

KidZania Bangkok–Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, Minister of Education, presided over the opening of the project “KidZania Bangkok: Taking Thai Kids to ASEAN.”  It is a learning center in the form of a replica city that provides opportunities for children to play different adult roles like and try their dream careers. The event took place on May 9, 2013 at KidZania Bangkok, 5^th floor, Siam Paragon Shopping Mall. 

The MOE Minister said that the project has a good concept for it gives the children opportunities to learn from real experience. They will be able to see what they have to do when living in the real world and know the details and responsibilities of each career. Children will gain more general knowledge about the world, and at the same time, will learn what they are good at or capable of, which can give them a hint about suitable careers in the future. Another interesting aspect of this project is the “kidso” currency used in KidZania as payment for children who work. Today children rarely know the value of money because their parents provide for them all the time. Working in KidZania will help them realize that money has to be earned and it is not so easy to earn money.    Although the money used in the project is not real, it will give children the right attitude about money. As we can see from the real world, university students who study and work at the same time understand the value of money more and have clearer purposes for their lives. They are also more hardworking, patient, and are more competent than students who only study.

The Minister of Education expressed his appreciation for this good project, which is a learning resource for Thai children, providing them with experience without having to go abroad. He hoped that KidZania will continue to develop and help Thai children to become adults with good knowledge, skills, and morality.  He also quoted a saying that “it does not matter where you learn, but it is how you learn that matters.”

“KidZania Bangkok: Taking Thai Kids to ASEAN”is an activity taking place in a replica of a real city, designed in a form and size that is suitable for 4-14 year-old children. There are small-scale buildings, roads, vehicles, offices, shops, etc. Kidso is the currency used within the city. The purpose of the project is to develop skills needed in real life and to promote understanding about different occupations through role play. Children will have the chance to become doctors, police, firefighters, reporters, pilots, air-hostesses, chefs, designers, models, and many other occupations. They are encouraged to show their capability and talents, to learn how to solve problems and how to work with other people. They will learn how to give and share as well.    

“KidZania Bangkok”opens Monday-Friday from10.00-17.00, on weekends and holidays from 10.00-15.00 and16.00-21.00. The tickets are 650 baht for one child. Tickets are available at KidZania Bangkok, 5^thfloor, Siam Paragon Shopping Mall (North Wing) and Thai Ticket Major atwww.thaiticketmajor.com/KidZaniaBangkok.  For more information, please go to the website:www.kidzania.go.th andwww.facebook.com/KidZaniaBangkok