One hundred area students have begun training to become the city’s next young tourist “ambassadors,” hearing lectures and practicing skills to help promote Pattaya while simultaneously earning scholarships to advance their own educations.
Twenty teams of five youths ages 9-16 began four days of education and testing at city hall with a June 29 congratulations and blessing ceremony hosted by officials from the Pattaya Permanent Secretary’s Office, Social Welfare Department and Education Office. The field will be winnowed to 10 teams July 20 through written and oral exams and the winners selected July 27 in finals held at Royal Garden Plaza.
(L to R) Tony Malhotra, Dhaninrat Klinhom and Wisan Thaksisachai talk to the students about what is expected of them.
The first place ambassador will win prizes worth 30,000 baht with second- and third-place finishers getting 20,000 and 10,000 baht respectively. Smaller prizes will be awarded for specific oratory skills.
Training began June 30 with a day of lectures on public relations, research, oratory skills, and career advice.
Dhaninrat Klinhom, marketing communications director the Pattaya Hilton, discussed the importance of good research in public relations, building self confidence and speaking correctly.
Wisan Thaksaniyachai of City Radio 90.3 FM, covered enunciation, listening and communications skills.
Tony Malhotra, assistant managing director for Pattaya Mail Publishing Co., talked about life and career planning, self-confidence and preparation.
One hundred area students begin their training to become the city’s next young tourist ambassadors.
Thanitrat Klinhom, Hilton Hotel marketing communication manager, speaks to the youths about the competition.
Student contestants have their wrists tied in sai sin for good luck and protection.
The competition is intended to not only be educational but also fun for the students.
Tony Malhotra poses for a picture with some of the youth hopefuls.
