In Nong Khai, one of the poorest regions of Thailand near the border with Laos, young people often struggle to find their path in life. Vocational schools are few and far between – especially for girls. Many leave their hometowns in search of work in Bangkok, only to find themselves trapped in a life marked by insecurity and exploitation.
Founded in 2013 by Stéphanie des Arts-Loup and Alexandre des Arts, the Pimali Association offers an alternative: a hands-on training center for the hospitality industry.
Following the principle of “Learning by Doing”, trainees spend 90% of their time gaining practical experience – cooking, serving, cleaning rooms, and running a guesthouse that operates just like a real resort. This approach helps them build self-confidence, language skills, and professional abilities that open doors to a better future.
Founded in 2013 by Stéphanie des Arts-Loup and Alexandre des Arts, the Pimali Association offers an alternative: a hands-on training center for the hospitality industry.
Following the principle of “Learning by Doing”, trainees spend 90% of their time gaining practical experience – cooking, serving, cleaning rooms, and running a guesthouse that operates just like a real resort. This approach helps them build self-confidence, language skills, and professional abilities that open doors to a better future.
Since 2021, the DERTOUR Foundation has been supporting the Pimali Association. Each year, seven trainees have been sponsored. Starting in the winter of 2025, Meiers Weltreisen will exclusively support two female trainees.
Travelers can visit the center as part of the DERTOUR tour “Authentic Isan & Pimali Association”. An overnight stay at the guesthouse, run by the students themselves, offers not only authentic encounters but also valuable learning experiences: the young trainees practice their English, strengthen their communication skills, and experience genuine hospitality.
This partnership demonstrates how sustainable tourism can promote education and transform lives. Every stay at the guesthouse directly contributes to the students’ training and financial stability – a true win-win situation for everyone involved.
Noey, 18, grew up in modest circumstances in Nong Khai province. After finishing school, she saw few opportunities – until she discovered the Pimali Association. There, she began her training in housekeeping, learning everything about room care, laundry management, and the proper use of cleaning products.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect. But Pimali showed me that each of us can make a difference if we’re given a chance,” says Noey.
During her training, she took on more and more responsibility: she helped organize daily operations, learned how to provide professional guest service, and began mentoring new students. She is especially proud of her progress in English and of her ability to work as part of a team.
“I’ve become more confident. I used to feel small, but now I know that I’m capable. I want to continue working in the hotel industry – maybe one day I’ll even run a small guesthouse of my own.”
After completing her training, Noey received a full-time position at a five-star hotel in Bangkok. She is proud of what she has achieved and continues to work there with joy and passion. Her story represents many young women who, through Pimali, gain courage, knowledge, and a new outlook on life.
Noey, 18, grew up in modest circumstances in Nong Khai province. After finishing school, she saw few opportunities – until she discovered the Pimali Association. There, she began her training in housekeeping, learning everything about room care, laundry management, and the proper use of cleaning products.
“At first, I didn’t know what to expect. But Pimali showed me that each of us can make a difference if we’re given a chance,” says Noey.
During her training, she took on more and more responsibility: she helped organize daily operations, learned how to provide professional guest service, and began mentoring new students. She is especially proud of her progress in English and of her ability to work as part of a team.
“I’ve become more confident. I used to feel small, but now I know that I’m capable. I want to continue working in the hotel industry – maybe one day I’ll even run a small guesthouse of my own.”
After completing her training, Noey received a full-time position at a five-star hotel in Bangkok. She is proud of what she has achieved and continues to work there with joy and passion. Her story represents many young women who, through Pimali, gain courage, knowledge, and a new outlook on life.
The success of Pimali speaks for itself: 95% of graduates secure full-time employment in the hospitality industry after their six-month internship. For these young people, that means financial stability, social recognition, and the ability to support their families.
Thanks to the support of the DERTOUR Foundation, young people like Noey gain not only knowledge, but also dignity, opportunity, and hope – and the power to shape their own future. That’s exactly what happens at Pimali, every single day.
You can find out more about our cooperation partner,
Pimali Association, on project partners.
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