Members of the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee and leaders of overseas Scout groups have undertaken a site inspection of the venue for the 25th Asia-pacific Regional Scout Jamboree, to be held in Had Yao, Sattahip, at the end of December.

            The visit, which look place over the period July 27 to August 2, included 150 Scouting representatives from 23 countries led by Eric Khoo, chairman 2004-2007 for the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee World Organization of Scout Movements, and APR director Abdullah Rasheed.

            Delegates also had the opportunity to see the arrangements made for the 17th National Scout Jamboree of Thailand 2005, and Red Cross Youth Gathering 2005, which was held from July 25-31 at Had Yao

            The 25th Asia-Pacific Jamboree, to be held under the concept, “Scouting: the Road to peace”, will be held from December 28 to January 3.

            Minister of Education Adisai Bodharamik, who is also chairman of the National Scout Executive Board, had invited the group to inspect the location and the various facilities. Sutham Phanthusak, international commissioner of the National Scouting Organizing in Thailand, was there to welcome the leaders.

             On their first day the group stayed at Au-Dongtan Lodging, on the sattahip Naval Base, and enjoyed a welcoming party in the evening.

             Education Deputy Minister Piyabutr Cholvijam and Director of TAT Central Region 3 Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhaya were their hosts at a reception at Sala Rim Nam, in the Pattaya Marriott Resort and spa Hotel

           "The 25th Asia-Pacific Region Scout Jamboree is an important milestone tn the development of scout in this area,” said Piyabutr. “The Ministry of Education in Thailand has wholeheartedly supported this jamborees, as we believe that these are an integral part of international Scouting today, and integral up for our youth,”

            The message and ideas of the founder of Scouting, Load-Powell, are just as important today as they were seventy-one years ago, he said. Boden-Powell had said: “The outstanding need in the upbringing of youth today is an adequate system of health culture. It is easy enough to give the youngsters pleasure by taking them to cinemas or parties, but that is merely giving them pleasure in a moment – it is not happiness. Take them out of society to be with nature and see something of the rest of the world; to appreciate the beauty around them; to give them health and happy companionship, and to introduce them to the satisfaction gained from helping other

             “On the threshold of adult discovery, including one’s own personality, exploration and discoveries are particularly relevant in the life of young people. Scouting provides that rare experience for all of them.”

             On July 30 the group toured Pattaya, calling in at Nong Nooch Garden, and then visited the 17th National Scout Jamboree at Had Yao. They visited the View Point and the surrounding area, and then with jamboree executive director Prapatpong Senerith discussed various practicalities such as the provision of the various food types required by the different cultures and countries that the Scouts will be representing.

             In the evening a reception was hosted by Chonburi Deputy Governor Weerawit Wiwatnanich

            "I am glad you have had the opportunity to inspect the camp site in the naval reserve at Sattahip. This is a real Scout camp, as founder Lord Baden-Powell would have imagined it should be. The bush lands surrounding the main ‘village’ will make it possible for many city dwellers to enjoy the real excitement of camping and getting to know nature,” said Weerawit.

            “This is precisely what the 25th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree can offer your country’s Scouts. An opportunity to be with nature, but in a safe and supervised their children to be in danger, but we do want them to grow by experiencing ‘real’ life, not the concrete jungles of the urban sprawls.

             “Your Scouts will come the Sattahip camp to learn about bush craft, and living and communicating with their Scouting brothers and sisters from all over.”

             After the party all groups went to join the closing ceremony of the 17th National Scout Jamboree of Thailand 2005, and Red Cross youth Gathering 2005.

             This Jamboree was held to celebrate the vice president of the Red Cross Her Royal Highness Princess Petcharatana Ratchasuda Sirisophapannawadee, patron of the national Scouts.

             More than 6,550 Scouts, Girl Guides, Thailand commanders, and Scouts from Hong Kong, Pakistan and Bangladesh took part in the jubilee. The closing ceremony included a rousing show from the Scouts and Girl Guides.

             July 31 was the last day of studying and observation. The group went to Koh Kham, which will be one of the venues, and in the evening attended a farewell party at the Woodlands Resort in Pattaya. Mayor Niran Wattanasathorn and the president of the Thai Hotel Association Eastern Chapter, Buntharik Kusolwit led the reception, which included a Thai cultural show.