Thailand Volunteering

Feel like saving the world this week? Volunteering can be a powerful and fulfilling experience, especially when combined with the thrill of traveling in a new place. Thailand is rich in culture and history, but it also has significant concerns related to conservation, development, and health. Luckily, for every problem it faces, there exist a number of organizations actively working to combat that concern. The chance to become a part of their efforts can be challenging but exhilarating.

Most people who volunteer in Thailand do so on a short-term basis with organizations that make use of drop-in or once-a-week volunteers. The best way to find opportunities that match your interests and schedule may be to check classifieds in the Bangkok Post, look for listings through universities, or ask at local organizations. Environmental conservation and poverty relief are two of the most popular areas for volunteers, or search the web to find others. As always, read up before heading out.

Those looking for longer, more intensive volunteer opportunities usually choose to go through a parent organization that, for a fee, takes care of logistical details and often provides a group environment and support system. There are two main types of organizations—religious and secular—although there are rarely restrictions on participation in either. Websites like www.volunteerabroad.com, www.servenet.org, and www.idealist.org allow you to search for volunteer openings both in your country and abroad.

I Have To Pay To Volunteer? Many volunteers are surprised to learn that some organizations require large fees or “donations,” but don’t go calling them scams just yet. While such fees may seem ridiculous at first, they often keep the organization afloat, covering airfare, room, board, and administrative expenses for the volunteers. (Other organizations must rely on private donations and government subsidies.) If you’re concerned about how a program spends its fees, request an annual report or finance account. A reputable organization won’t refuse to inform you of how volunteer money is spent. Pay-to-volunteer programs might be a good idea for young travelers who are looking for more support and structure (such as pre-arranged transportation and housing) or anyone who would rather not deal with the uncertainty of creating a volunteer experience from scratch.

Environmental And Wildlife Conservation

Thailand is known for its beautiful and diverse environment and wildlife; unfortunately, both are currently threatened by development. The organizations below offer volunteer activities related to conservation ...more

Urban Issues

Although Thailand’s urban areas are the first to benefit from economic development and foreign investment, problems like persistent poverty and uneven economic improvement remain. One organization ...more

Rural Development

From government-instituted programs to the work of non-governmental organizations, Thailand has an array of initiatives working on improving education, health care, and sustainable environmental practices ...more

Youth And The Community

Due to widespread poverty and instability, children in Thailand are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, neglect, and abuse. Statistics indicate that anywhere from 60,000 to 200,000 Thai children ...more

Medical Outreach

Recent estimates suggest that 580,000 people in Thailand are living with HIV/AIDS, including 16,000 children, and this is merely one of the health-related concerns that plagues the country. Additionally ...more