The seminar will take place at Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 8am to 4.30pm and be divided into three groups: tourism and hospitality personnel, academic professionals, and college and university students from Northern Thailand.

“This seminar forms part of the TAT Academy’s mission to help improve Thai tourism personnel and market competitiveness as well as to attract a new workforce for this growing industry. Sessions are carefully planned to ensure useful learning and knowledge-sharing opportunities from senior tourism officials and experienced hospitality professionals. At the end of this one-day event, we hope participants will go home with new perspectives in the field of tourism and travel in the digital era within the Royal Thai Government’s Thailand 4.0 smart-economy framework,” says TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

The sessions will include a keynote address by Yuthasak Supasorn on Thailand’s Tourism 4.0, followed by a special presentation on Digital Marketing by Tirasan Sajatsapas, adviser to Thailand’s Minister of Tourism and Sports. Afternoon sessions will be specially arranged for each of the three groups of participants.

The tourism and hospitality personnel will have the chance to learn tips on hospitality sales and marketing from experts Prachoom Tantiprasertsuk (Dusit International’s vice president of sales) and Supodcha Swetiyaram (Gassan Legacy Golf Club’s director of sales and marketing).

Sujitra Jongchansitto and Tanes Petsuwan, TAT’s deputy governors for domestic marketing, international marketing, will share their experiences and knowledge on destination marketing, how Thailand successfully entices Thais to travel domestically and The Link partnership marketing project.

College and university students can learn about the many employment opportunities that are available in the field of travel and tourism. In addition, participants will get the chance to learn more about marketing information and market research done by the TAT Intelligence Centre from 2002 to the present. The TAT Academy will also have a booth displaying its works and projects.

Find out more at http://www.TATnews.org

The expansive, flexible room occupies 900 square metres and accommodates 700 delegates in theatre configuration or 500 guests for a banquet, conference, exhibition and meeting. It’s fitted with all the latest tools and technologies for high-tech events and presentations.

The meeting spaces are fitted out with leading-edge technology including digital PA systems, wireless high-speed Internet access, audio-visual equipment and adjustable sound and lighting The flexible venues are made all the more appealing thanks to an extensive choice of accommodation options, which includes rooms, suites and luxurious private pool villas.

These amenities are further enhanced by world-class cuisine, an expansive high-end spa and creative activity programmes designed to suit every event, from small-scale brainstorming sessions to sizeable conferences.

“Our range of resort, beach and town-based activities are designed to challenge, motivate and inspire participants to break down barriers, communicate openly and collaborate effectively to achieve results,” explains the resort’s MICE consultant David Barrett.

“Customised corporate team building activities include the Resort Challenge, which is a scavenger hunt around the grounds, and the Bike A Build Donation, where teams construct a bike and donate it to underprivileged children.”

The all-day dining restaurant Staa’s helps guests start the day the right way with 300 delicacies on its breakfast buffet line. Aqua poolside eatery serves a choice of pastas, burgers, seafood and Tex-Mex dishes as well as nachos, fajitas and pizza.

For dinner, Brezza beachfront restaurant delivers fresh seafood with an Italian touch, while the stylish Blue Biscuit Jazz and Blues Bar serves creole specialities to complement the range of top drawer drinks and live music performances.

Check out the hotel at http://www.AnandaHuaHin.com/events.

1. What to study

“AI, energy, and biosciences are promising fields where you can make a huge impact” says the Co-founder of Microsoft and the Gates Foundation. It’s apparently what he would study if starting out today.

2. Intelligence isn’t one-dimensional

“Looking back on when I left college, there are some things I wish I had known. Intelligence takes many different forms… And not as important as I used to think,” reminisces Gates.

3. Fight inequity

In his tweetstorm, Gates remarks that young people today know more about the world than he did at that age – in fact, he claims he knew very little about the worst inequities when leaving school.“You can start fighting inequity, whether down the street or around the world, sooner”.

4. How to be your best self

Like Warren Buffet, the living legend measures his happiness by whether people close to him are happy and love him, and by the difference he makes for others. “Surround yourself with people who challenge you, teach you, and push you to be your best self. As Melinda Gates does for me,” advises Gates.

5. If he could give each of you a graduation present…

It would be The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by celebrated cognitive scientist, psychologist, linguist, and author, Steven Pinker. Pinker shows how this is the most peaceful time in history, and Gates calls it the most inspiring book he’s ever read. “If you think the world is getting better, you want to spread the progress to more people and places. It doesn’t mean you ignore the serious problems we face. It just means you believe they can be solved,” tweets the billionaire magnate and philanthropist. This is the core of Gates’ worldview and what has sustained him in “tough times”. He believes it can do the same for you.

The writer is In-charge of the career publication of The Daily Star.

Online tickets for adults can be picked up for Bt890 from the regular price of Bt1,190, while children (91-121cm) can get in for Bt690 from the usual price of Bt890. Infants below 90cm and wheelchair users enter free of charge.

With over 45 acres located in the lush green valley next to Khao Chee Chan and Silverlake Vineyards near Pattaya, visitors can enjoy all the thrills and spills of the park’s 21 awesome water rides.

Feel your adrenaline rush with the intersecting Python and Aquaconda for an interactive experience. The Duelling Aqua-Coasters are two of the longest slides in the world measuring over 230 meters long. Get more ultimate thrills with the force of gravity on the Freefall slides or for an even greater adrenaline rush, opt for the 360-degree Aqualoop.

You can head to the River Slide and splash into the Lazy Wavy River before continuing the journey down one of the longest lazy rivers in the world with over 600 metres of gentle waves, waterfalls and geysers. It’s the perfect way to relax and take in the scenery of the park. Then chill out on the tubes experiencing the biggest double wave pool in Thailand with an artificial beach that’s more than 160 metres wide. Float amongst gentle waves at one end or battle stormy waves at the other.

Those new to water slides should start out with the gentler but still exciting Serpentine and Spiral. Older hands should grab a friend and tube down the Boomerango to be launched up an almost-vertical wall before gravity kicks in and it’s back down into the landing pool.

The park has two uniquely designed kids’ zones with one of the largest children’s fortresses in the world for children of all ages.

It’s open daily from 10 to 6pm. For more information, call (033) 005 929 and visit http://www.RamayanaWaterPark.com.

While the “heartware” remains distinctively Shangri-La, the interiors have experienced a significant rejuvenation to reveal a refreshed lobby, new rooms and suites, three novel restaurant concepts and a revitalised club lounge.

Sweep up the grand driveway, step into the lobby and marvel at the breathtaking ceiling art installation by Japanese designer Hirotoshi Sawada, made of thousands of cascading stylised leaves, reminiscent of a tree canopy in a vibrant tropical oasis.

The Tower Wing’s 503 guestrooms and suites are completely refurbished with a luxurious new look. From the lobby, reach them through the stunning lift lobby embellished with authentic Peranakan touches.

Guests can stay in any of the 360 Tower Wing Deluxe Rooms, 79 Horizon Club Deluxe Rooms, soon to open family-theme rooms and suites, as well as five One-Bedroom Suites and the newly added 250-square-metre Grand Suite.

The Deluxe Rooms are each a spacious 38 square metres and come complete with stylish furnishings, luxurious amenities, Internet access, glass wardrobes, floor-to-ceiling windows and a choice of city or pool views. Calm and inviting with a soothing colour palette, the new accommodations are elegant havens bedecked with modern conveniences.

Guests who book the Horizon Club Rooms will have access to the Horizon Club Lounge on Level 24. Discover unparalleled panoramas of the city skyline, best enjoyed by sinking into strategically placed armchairs that maximise the view.

Have a healthy snack, a pair of dinner shoes shined or answer emails at one of the mobile work stations – the tastefully designed enclave offering hassle-free and efficient services for business and leisure travellers is open 24 hours a day.

One of the fresh food-and-beverage concepts is the Lobby Lounge, which offers Singapore favourites Fish Head Bee Hoon Soup, Prawn Noodle Soup, Bak Chor Mee, Hainanese Chicken Rice, Katong Laksa and Chilli Crab with Mantou. These have been selected with the help of popular local food writer Dr Leslie Tay and perfected by Shangri-La’s culinary team in collaboration with the best hawkers of each dish.

Beside the Lobby Lounge, ShopHouse is a grab-and-go retail outlet with freshly baked bread, homemade sandwiches, salads and snacks, as well as gourmet sauces, flavoured croissants, festive goodies, chocolates that are infused with local ingredients and whiskey and 3D cakes.

An exciting addition to the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore’s exquisite dining experience is Nami Restaurant and Bar on Level 24, the art of fine Japanese dining with seamless omotenashi hospitality.

Guests can reserve a seat at the counter to witness the entire food preparation process, right up to the plating and serving of the mouth-watering dishes. Out on the terrace, Japanese tapas is on the menu, perfectly paired with a range of premium Japanese whisky and sake.

Helming both areas is head chef Akiba Shigeo, who cooked at the wedding of Japan’s Prince Akishinomiya and Princess Kiko.

Book a stay in one of the newly renovated Tower Wing Deluxe Rooms at the best available rate anytime before July 31 to enjoy breakfast at the Line and double GC Award Points. Find out more at http://www.Shangri-La.com/singapore and +65 6235 1666

Spa treatments, yoga and health-oriented gourmet meals are all part of the five-day “Revive” detox programme available at the Sala Samui Choengmon Beach Resort and Spa and Sala Phuket Resort and Spa.

It’s designed to improve digestion, organ and systemic functions, boost the immune system, restore energy levels, and restore the body to a balanced state of health.

Developed with leading wellness provider Amrita, the programme uses medicinal Thai herbs and plants in unique shake formulas that remove toxins and nourish and protect the body from oxidative damage caused by the release of the toxins.

The 100-per-cent-natural detoxification process includes a choice of two comprehensive meal plans – a strict menu or a protein-enhanced menu. Coconut juice and tropical fruits are served along with detox juices throughout the day.

Before embarking on the programme, guests are evaluated by Dr Graham Rowe, chief naturopath at Amrita.

A typical day starts at 8, when guests drink 500ml of water with lime. Breakfast follows and the menu can include two boiled eggs, gluten-free bread, avocado, and sauteed mushrooms.

A mid-morning detox shake is followed by a light lunch at noon with tasty options such as gluten-free penne with chickpeas in tomato sauce.

Every afternoon guests can enjoy a spa treatment, with choices ranging from a Seaweed Detoxifying Body Wrap to a Tri-Phase Stone Therapy. A detox shake follows to tide guests over until the thrice-weekly group yoga class at 5pm.

The last meal of the day is served from a dinner menu that includes dishes such as pomelo green-mango salad served over brown rice.

During their free time, guests are encouraged to enjoy the resort’s facilities. This can include a gentle swim in the pools, a leisurely bike ride, or a stroll on the beach. In the evenings there are free activities including a weekly movie on the beach.

“Not everything can be re-balanced in five days but, with our detox programmes, we hope to demonstrate that wellness can also be an enjoyable experience, and it doesn’t take much to improve your overall sense of wellbeing,” says Jon Ashenden, regional general manager of Sala Hospitality.

The five-day detox package starts at Bt39,900-plus, exclusive of accommodation (valid until October 31). The total package includes a full-board meal plan, five detox shakes per day, probiotic vitamin supplements, a daily spa programme, and three days of yoga for beginners. Three days’ advance reservation is required for all bookings.

Email info@salahospitality.com or visit http://www.SalaHospitality.com.

Organiser GIS, which distributes Garmin products in Thailand, is inviting runners and health enthusiasts to go beyond their limits by joining the run, which takes place on Sunday, June 18 at EZ Park, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre,

Garmin will donate Bt100 for every runner who finishes the race within the designated time and double it for runners using Garmin products. More then 5,000 participants are expected.

“The ‘Garmin Blue Run 2017’ is aimed at raising awareness of the health advantage of exercise and encouraging people to keep themselves fit and firm,” says Channarong Teerarojanarat, manager of GIS,

“Last year’s race was a success with more than 3,500 runners taking part while raising funds for a good cause. Donations will support the foundation’s efforts to solve problems related to water resources both at the community and country levels.”

“Running is an excellent choice of exercise that keeps a perfect balance between body and mind. It strengthens muscle, keeps joints in good condition and maintains a healthy cardiac cycle, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol as well as reduces stress. New runners should prepare and practice regularly to avoid injury.

The race is divided into two categories: Mini Marathon (10.5km) and Half Marathon (21km) with registrations priced at Bt600 and Bt800 respectively. All applicants will receive a cool race pack and medal while those who completed to half marathon also get a Finisher by Garmin T-shirt. Customers who wear a Garmin watch should fill in the watch’s serial number on the application form to receive a Bt100 discount.

Applications are now open at http://www.GarminBlueRun.com.

Now you can volunteer your time and your talent to this worthy project at all branches of The Mall Department Store, The Emporium, The EmQuartier, Paragon Department Store, and Bluport Hua Hin.

The Mall Group, together with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, recently launched the project at The Mall Bang Kapi with Pranee Sattayaprakob, Deputy City Clerk, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Grisana Umpujh, Vice Chairman, The Mall Group, artists, celebrities and many more individuals from various industries creating wood flowers modelled on the Wiangping rose.

“BMA was assigned by the Royal Cremation Organisation Committee to prepare three million wood flowers in booths across Bangkok for public mourners to pay their respects to His Majesty the late King,” Pranee explained.

“The first round of the wood flower project was held from April 24 to 28 at the Thai-Japan Bangkok Youth Centre’s Kilawet 1 Building. BMA is collaborating with The Mall Group, who wishes to contribute one million wooden flowers.”

“In loving memory of His Majesty the late King, the Mall Group’s management team and employees are committed to contributing 1 million wooden flowers to the BMA project, Grisana added.

“We have prepared materials to create wood flowers and rallied volunteers to join us at every branch of The Mall, The Emporium, The EmQuartier, Paragon Department Store and Bluport Hua Hin until July 31. We have also invited employees and business partners to join the project.”

“The one million wood flowers from The Mall Group are modelled after Wiangping rose, as it signifies the greatest love of all, unconditional love and love that does not expect anything in return. Once, a long time ago, a Thai shouted ‘Don’t leave us’ to HM King Rama IX. His Majesty responded, ‘How can I leave you when you never leave me?’ Thus, Wiangping rose signifies the love and concern HM King Rama IX had for his subjects across the country, which is evidenced by the more than 4,000 projects His Majesty developed to ensure Thai people have a better quality of life. These efforts will never be forgotten,” she says..

The recent launch event at The Mall Bang Kapi saw a major turnout by well-known volunteers from across industries including celebrities and news anchors. All said that they wanted to unite to show their love and respect for HM King Rama IX, and would like to encourage everyone to join the effort.

Those preferring to take materials home to create wood flowers should call (02) 310 1527.

Yet few people mention presbyopia or farsightedness, despite the fact that almost all of us develop the condition after the age of 40.

For that reason, Johnson & Johnson Vision has chosen to put presbyopia in the spotlight and exploding five misconceptions about the condition.

Myth 1: Hyeperopia is the same as presbyopia

There’s lot of confusion in Thailand about the two as the same word – farsighted – tends to be used for both conditions. Hyperopia’ is often present at birth, but presbyopia presents as part of the ageing process. Hyperopia and presbyopia are two different visual conditions with different causes. Hyperopia occurs when the size of the eyeball is too small for the focusing power of the eye, thus causing eyestrain and blurred vision.

Presbyopia usually occurs after age 40. As you age, the lens in the eye starts to lose its elasticity and you gradually lose the ability to focus on objects up close. So you will probably find that you need to hold reading materials further away in order to see them clearly.

Myth2 : Presbyopia is preventable

As we grow older, various changes of the eyes’ natural functions occur, such as pupil size becoming smaller, tear glands producing fewer tears, and presbyopia occurring. Presbyopia is a natural part of the ageing process as lenses of your eyes will become less flexible. It is not a disease and it cannot be prevented. Whether you have myopia or hyperopia before you reach the age 40, you cannot avoid presbyopia. Even eating food said to be good for the eyes will not help prevent presbyopia.

Myth 3 : Correcting presbyopia can make it worse

In fact, when presbyopia occurs and you do not correct your eyesight, your eyes will feel fatigued. Leaving presbyopia uncorrected will merely make life more difficult as it becomes hard to read small letters clearly. Those who already have myopic conditions will need to take their glasses off to be able to see close objects more clearly. Have your eyesight corrected and you will once again be able to see sharply. More importantly, you will be able to live your life to the fullest just as you did before you turned 40.

Myth 4 : Myopia will counter presbyopia and eyesight will return to normal

Eyesight measurement examines the level of shortsightedness, astigmatism or farsightedness. The eyecare professional will let you look at distant objects and solve the problem by adding power to help you see distant objects clearly. On the other hand, presbyopia affects near vision caused by the deterioration in focus. It is not a degeneration of the light being focused in long distance. Presbyopia and other vision problems have different causes. One does not cancel out the other.

Myth 5 : There is fewer options to solve presbyopia

In fact, there are various choices to correct presbyopia, the most common of which is reading glasses. Those with myopia/hypreropia are required to use eyeglasses with bifocal or progressive lenses that help correct the near and distance vision. The latest innovation is a multifocal contact lenses with Intuisight technology that uniquely optimises optic designs to address the natural variations in pupil size according to age and refractive power.

Ask your ophthalmologist, optometrist or eyecare professional on how to choose and use contact lens properly before buying. An ideal choice is the daily disposable lens as it’s healthy for your eyes.

As everyone will get presbyopia, this is more relevant than you might think. Notice when your eyesight changes and correct it promptly to enjoy and live a more complete life.

For more information about presbyopia, visit Facebook.com/Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Thailand

Celebrating female sensuality and body-confidence, the campaign will feature images captured by British fashion photographer Rankin (John Rankin Waddell).

Chic, elegant and seductive, Triumph Essence offers lingerie that makes a statement and works perfectly with every modern woman’s stylish wardrobe.

This season the premium line takes on the glamorous theme of “Opulent Art Nouveau” and features delicate and intimate styles that Liv Tyler will showcase, crafted in velvet embellished mesh, Leavers lace and luxurious silk satin.

“Liv Tyler encapsulates everything synonymous with Triumph Essence – beautiful, elegant and exuding female confidence,” says Suzanne McKenna, global head of the brand.

“She truly is a modern woman in every sense, a mother and actress with a fierce sense of femininity that women across the world can relate to. It is her genuine spirit that translates into our new campaign and we are thrilled to be working with her.”

Tyler returns the compliment.

“I am so honoured to be working with Triumph, a brand I’ve known and admired for so many years,” she says. “The Triumph Essence collection is really special and has both a playful, feminine and chic style, which I love. I can’t wait to see it launch later this year.”

The campaign will be seen in print, online and in retail starting in October. It follows the launch of the recent global campaign “Find the One for Every You”, also shot by Rankin.

“Liv is such a natural beauty and this campaign was such an easy shoot,” says the photographer. “Her timeless elegance and Hollywood glamour are what we’ve managed to capture.”