Volunteer in Thailand

Thailand is a beautiful country with bustling cities, spectacular islands, exotic wildlife and so much more. You can do more than sightseeing by applying to work in Thailand and help make a real different to worthwhile causes. There are structure and totally free volunteering opportunities in Thailand where you can work with communities, children, animals and the environment.

Best Volunteer Programs in Thailand

Reasons to Volunteer in Thailand

Volunteering in Thailand offers so many highlights and benefits.

You’ll get an unforgettable experience helping and improving Thai communities and the opportunity to broaden your perspective and worldview. Participate in and learn local cultural activities (e.g. language, crafts, dancing). Gain a memorable travel experiences with the chance to see exotic sites you have always dreamed about.

You’ll also make lifelong friends from around the globe and a valuable work experience that strengthens your resume, exhibiting your diligence, independence, and intercultural experiences. And finally, a great way to develop and support your self-confidence and interpersonal skills

How You Can Help

There are so many ways to help, including community development, environmental conservation, HIV and AIDS prevention and working with wildlife.

Here are some of the best projects:

Volunteer with Elephants
According to estimates of the World Wildlife Fund, in Thailand there are only 2-3,000 elephants still living in the wild. This number is shrinking steadily, as wild elephants need to compete with villagers for land with casualties on both sides every year.

At the same time, domesticated elephants roam throughout Thailand with their mahouts, begging for food in cities, often by performing tricks for tourists. You’ll be able to help mahouts as they take care of the elephants and to join them for their daily exercises.

During the week, you will also learn about the place of elephants in the culture of Thailand, their needs and the social problems around it nowadays. Daily chores when working with elephants include washing and feeding the elephants, learning some gardening and working with the people of the centre. During the weekend, it is possible to go rafting in the river close by.

Teaching/Tutoring
Do not be fooled by the large American style schools which you will see when teaching in Thailand and the perfectly turned out children in immaculate school uniforms.Many of the children come from very poor families who work in agriculture and may be working for as little as £1 a day.

Without good English these children cannot access higher education and university without passing the national examinations in English. But it is just these poorer schools, despite appearances, which cannot provide adequate English teaching.

Thai English teachers are fairly proficient at written English and grammar but lacking in oral practice so you can be sure you are not replacing a valuable teacher, but instead filling a much needed gap.

Social & Public Welfare
Assist elderly people, locals with disabilities, as well as assisting the staff with daily routines. Work with the elderly and assist the staff with daily routines and get to know the local communities. Past projects include teaching life skills, English, computer training, and business skills.

These projects improve the education, health, and economy of at-need communities and families. A variety of opportunities are available based on your experiences, skills, and interests.

Orphanage Assistance
In orphanage there are usuallyhave children between 5-18 years old. You will have the opportunity to assist teachers with lessons, help teach English, play with the children and take care of them.

On these projects you will be involved in helping the staff with daily tasks, teaching them and the children English and arranging activities. It is likely that you will need to make up your own activities and use some initiative at the orphanages. The children will appreciate you just being there.

Health Care Services
The location of this project is near the Lopburi city in a Buddhist monastery. The HIV/AIDS patients live in relatively peaceful surroundings. The patients usually stay in the monastery because they have no family to take care of them. The temple is made to feel as comfortable as possible for the patients who are at different stages in the illness.

Buddhism
This is a project for those who want to learn more about Thai Buddhism and meditation. You will stay at a temple with monks who will teach you about the history, social side, and meditation of Buddhism.

Conservation
If getting to know the locals and environmental conservation is important to you, take part in a Thai beach and environmental project. You could help protect wildlife in the island of Koh Phra Thong, off the coast of Thailand, that was destroyed by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. You can help this community rebuild, and enjoy a bit of beach time on the side.

Volunteering in Thailand FAQ

How to Apply
You can apply online and arrange a placement in advance which is recommended. An alternative option is to arrive in Thailand and seek out opportunities locally. The latter is best for highly motivated individuals with a proactive approach to intercultural relations, this way you can also avoid the high agency fees. For more options in this region view volunteer projects in Asia.

Requirements
• You must be at least 18 years of age. Or, if younger than 18, you must have parental or guardian consent
• Minimum volunteer commitment is usually 1 week; maximum is 12 months
• Enjoy working and serving others in an underprivileged and struggling environment.
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• Dedication to the full term of commitment

Visa Assistance
Most organisations will assist you with information to obtain a visa (if necessary).

Do I need to Speak Thai?
English is widely understood, particularly in places like Phuket and in the South where it is almost the major commercial language although a Thai phrasebook and dictionary may come in handy. You will have plenty of opportunities to practise Thai with local people and local staff will want to get to know you and might invite you to a family get together after a few exchanged basic greetings.

Some lucky volunteers have been invited to parties, weddings and on expenses-paid weekend breaks so you never know where stepping out of your comfort zone and making friends with local people may take you. If you want to combine experiences view Thai language schools in Thailand to book a course.

Excursions & Activities
Visit local attractions and participate in various cultural activities near your project site. For any volunteer wishing to change project location after 3 weeks at one site, we include domestic transportation and a representative to accompany you for orientation and convenience.

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