Pattaya, November 26th, 2025 – The Chonburi Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports launched a special training program for 40 tourism and sports volunteers (known as “OsothoKo” or อสทก.), focusing on those proficient in foreign languages, to strengthen the province’s readiness to assist tourists and support the upcoming 33rd SEA Games in December.
The opening ceremony, held at the conference room of The Zign Hotel in Pattaya, was presided over by Ms Wanida Phansaad, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The participants include university students, public and private sector personnel, and public-spirited volunteers with skills in tourism, sports, and recreation.
Ms Ampai Sakdanukulchit Schlewinski, Director of the Chonburi Office of Tourism and Sports, explained that the special course falls under a project to enhance volunteer capabilities and build inter-agency cooperation in resolving tourist-related issues.
“As the tourism and sports hub of eastern Thailand, Chonburi attracts a constant flow of domestic and international visitors thanks to its diverse natural attractions, cultural sites, community lifestyles, and venues for international events,” she said. “With the province set to co-host the 33rd SEA Games next month, tourist numbers are expected to rise significantly.”
She also discussed the growing challenges volunteers face, including emergencies, injuries, scams involving goods and services, and the need for rapid multi-agency coordination.
The special training therefore focuses on:
– Tourist safety and international-standard service
– Emergency management
– Foreign-language communication skills
– Effective coordination with relevant agencies
The goal is to build a strong network of well-equipped volunteers who can deliver efficient assistance, enhance service quality, and boost visitor confidence in Chonburi, one of Thailand’s premier year-round tourist destinations.
The newly trained volunteers will play a key role in ensuring smooth operations and a positive experience for athletes, officials, and spectators during the SEA Games.
