Thailand is one of the most alluring destinations in the world with beautiful beaches and islands, modern cities, friendly people, tasty food and so many adventures. Why not combine a trip with volunteering helping good local causes, there are so many amazing projects available to join all year round.
Best Volunteer Programs in Thailand
About Thailand
The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Laos to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south.
Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity.
Facts
• Population Below Poverty Line: 7.3 Million
• Human Development Index Ranking: 93 / 188 countries
• Adolescent Birth Rate: 41 / 1,000 teens ages 15-19
Why Volunteer in Thailand?
As a volunteer in Thailand, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a country known for its scenic diversity and ancient traditions. “Thailand” means “Land of the Free” and is the only country in Southeast Asia that has never been colonized. Though it is heavily influenced by India and China, Thailand has a unique and fascinating culture of its own. It has attracted international travelers for many years, who are interested in its Buddhist roots and its natural beauty.
Thailand is a place of contrasts, a country in which two of the most renowned pursuits are tranquil meditation and aggressive kickboxing. It is a very industrious country, and yet its favorite phrase is “mai pen rai” (“no worries”). The Thai people are proud of their history, and ready to share it with others. Central to the way of life in Thailand is the concept of “sanuk”, which means that everything should be enjoyable or it’s not worth doing. In step with this concept, many volunteers are surprised to learn that relationships carry more weight than other things in Thai society. In fact, fostering a relationship with a business colleague or a client is seen as much more important than meeting a deadline or being on time.
Locations
Mainland
Some program are located in the bustling capital city of Bangkok, you could be teaching, or helping communities projects here. In Kao Look Chang in the Petchaburi province, close to the beaches of Cha-am and Hua-hin and approximately 160km south of Bangkok, there are popular programs too. In places like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai there are lots of worthwhile conservation projects.
Islands
The spectacular Thai islands are such a dream destination to experience and there are lots of projects helping animals, conservation and people. Choose between locations like Phuket, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Phi Phi,
Popular Projects
Elephant Sanctuaries
There are approximately 3500 domesticated elephants in Thailand. It has been estimated that there are around 200 elephants begging on the streets in the larger cities.
Cities are harsh environments for such a large forest animal, with the elephants under constant threat of road accidents, pollution and a scorching heat that can be fatal to a large mammal such as the elephant.
Volunteers are needed to assist the local staff at refuge centres to ensure that from now onwards the elephants have a better quality of life in their natural environment. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work hands on with the elephants.
The main duties include:
• cleaning elephant enclosures
• feeding and watering the elephants
• harvesting food for the elephants
• washing the elephants
• maintaining the elephant refuge
These programs are suitable for volunteers with enthusiasm, a love for animals, and above all an interest in elephants! No animal experience is necessary, although representatives from relevant fields are more than welcome to contribute to the team.
Wildlife Rescue Centres
Animals you can expect to work with at centres include a variety of macaques, two species of gibbon, several species of civets, loris, leopard cats, bears, crocodile, and exotic birds. Centres tries to provide animals with enclosures as close to nature as possible or, where possible, reintroduction to the wild.
Depending on the duration of your stay, your education and experience, you may participate in the following activities:
• Preparing and giving out food to all animals
• Maintaining enclosures and building enrichments
• Daily cleaning of enclosures
• The aim of the project is to save wild animals and their habitat from destruction. Their strategy towards achieving this aim involves three complementary tasks:
• Through the education program, encourage local people, tourists and the international community to appreciate, understand and protect wild animals and their rainforest habitat;
• Assist in and develop new projects involved in the protection, education, captive breeding, rehabilitation, humane housing and welfare of all wild animals;
• To rehabilitate captive wild animals and release them back into the wild, repopulating forest areas, where they have become rare to extinct.
FAQ
Is Thailand safe?
Thailand is one of the safer countries in Asia and you will find the people very welcoming and kind.
What is the climate like in Thailand?
In Thailand there are three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. For the Europeans that arrive in Thailand there seems to be only one season: a hot season. During the night the temperature only drops a few degrees and the humidity during the day and night is over 70%.
Language
English is the main language used at projects. Thai language classes are available to book which will focus on spoken Thai. Thai language instructors can teach you what you need to know to shop Thailand’s famous markets, connect with staff at your volunteer assignment, and communicate, in perfect Thai, just how spicy you like your tom yum soup.
Cook Thai Cuisine
Learn how to make traditional pad thai, a staple of Thai cuisine, with cooks at the Home-Base kitchen. Follow along with your English recipe handout, and of course, you’ll have a chance to dig in to an authentic Thai meal after all that hard work. Pass the Sriracha sauce, please!
Discover Thai Buddhism
An interest in Buddhism, the spiritual practice of about 95% of Thailand’s population, brings thousands of curious visitors to Thailand every year. You’ll have a chance to not only visit multiple temples, but also create a Tung flag to present to the temple for good merit. You’ll hear monks chanting, learn the different styles of temples, and learn about the rich history of Buddhism and the influence it still has on the Thai culture today.
What age do you have to be to volunteer?
You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit, you just have to be in good health.
Activities
If you’re in Thailand and love to party, you’re in luck! The Full Moon Party is a legendary music festival for world travellers. The festival is located on Koh Phanan and promises a diverse line up of musicians and DJs, as well as activities like massage workshops, yoga and Thai cooking classes. Feeling artistic? Try your hand at local crafts, traditions and experiences that even Glastonbury couldn’t offer you!
What else can I do in Thailand?
Visitors to Thailand will have no problem finding things to do! Take some time before or after your volunteer placement to explore urban Bangkok, bohemian Chiang Mai and the island of Ko Phi Phi. During your free time when volunteering you can explore the local towns and their restaurants, markets, spas and hotels. Or take some time to cool off at the beach with a dip in the sea.