Youngsters for hospitality

To cater to the growing demand amongst local youngsters for careers in the hospitality industry, community partners have joined efforts to organise the programme as a way to generate awareness and positively impact these youths. The initiative provides a comprehensive 20-week hospitality training program for selected students in Thailand to equip them with hospitality skills in various departments such as: food and beverage, kitchen, housekeeping and engineering. This is the first time that Hilton Pattaya is participating in this initiative by supporting four student trainees who are being trained on-property under a mentor system.

 

Krabi takes a dive

Hong Island, Krabi Province, plays host to the Red Bull Cliff Diving competition on October 26. In the World Series’ first visit to Thailand, the best high divers in the world will compete across four unique cliffs in Krabi, with spectator access for the grand final in Hong Island. The first jump is Wang Long Bay on Phi Phi Don Island, while Maya Bay and Viking Cave come second and third. The final platform is on Hong Island with a height of 24-28 metres. Divers face tides, ocean currents and a steep rocky ascent before diving into the warm waters of the Andaman Sea. Visit www.RedBull.com.

 

Trees of merit

Nong Bua Daeng district, Chaiyaphum, will leave the three-month Buddhist Retreat with “ merit trees” from October 13 to 17. Colourful as they’re decorative, the trees are attired with ribbons and joss sticks and are carried through the district in a colourful procession. Local music, dance and cultural shows are also organised as part of the festival. Call (044) 213 030.

 

A load of bull

Thai water buffaloes might not be as aggressive as their Spanish counterparts but they can certainly give the bulls a good run for their money – and they’re a lot more fun. Chon Buri province, about an hour's drive east of Bangkok, is hosting Buffalo Racing from October 14 to 20 in front of the provincial hall. Beefy buffaloes, skinny buffaloes and white buffaloes will race against each other over a 100-metre-long grassy strip, leaving a huge cloud of dust in the air. Expect to be surprised – and perhaps terrified - at the beasts’ terrific speed but poor sense of direction.