Buffalo racing, Lotus Festival and more

A race to the death

The Thai water buffalo might not be as aggressive as Spanish bulls but they can certainly give the bulls a good run for their money and they're a lot more fun. This weekend, Chon Buri province, about an hour's drive east of Bangkok, is hosting Buffalo Racing in front of the provincial hall. Beefy buffalo, skinny buffalo and white buffalo will race against each other over a 100metrelong grassy strip, leaving a huge cloud of dust in the air. You'll be surprised at their speed and quite possibly terrified at the beasts' poor sense of direction. A word to the wise: if one heads your way, run!

Festival fancies

A final reminder that Saturday (October 3) is the last chance to enjoy this year's Lotus Giving Festival in Samut Prakarn's Bang Phli district. This little known but fun event marks the end of the Buddhist Lent and is feted around Wat Bang Phli Yai and the floating market. The merit-making took place at daybreak today, when thousands of devotees, lotus flowers in their hands, lined both sides of the canal as they wait for the huge Buddha image to arrive by boat. The festival carries on throughout the day with entertainment, contests and lots of gastronomic treats until long after night has fallen.

Call (02) 337 3086 or (02) 337 3930.

TAT needs you!

Volunteers are being sought for the "Ultimate Thailand Explorers", a travel competition being organised by Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). You must be English speaking, aged between 20 and 30 years, active and able to travel around Thailand and have a great sense of service. The selected volunteers will help organise and communicate with the participants during the race, which takes place in five destinations, among them Chiang Mai, Phuket and Samui, between December 8 and 15. There's no pay but they will receive an allowance of Bt11,000, plus accommodation, travel and food expenses during the competition. Apply before October 30 by going to www.CallForVolunteer.com.

Three cheers for Phuket's lifesavers

Check it Loma Park in Patong Beach today (even the weather is not right) and meet the heroes and heroines at the Phuket Surf Lifesaving Carnival. The event is organised by Phuket Lifeguard Club, a nonprofit organisation established in 2003 that conducts regular training programmes for local adults and children in water safety, rescue, first aid and beach management skills. The carnival features competitions in some 80 lifesaving events. Sign up for the competition on the day. Visit www.PhuketLifeguard.com.