Thailand 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 are involved in prostitution, and 289,000 have been orphaned as a result of AIDS. Many organizations are involved in child welfare in Thailand, especially centers and orphanages that seek to provide children with both nurturing homelife and education.

Baan Kingkaew Orphanage (☎053 275 650, www.baan-kingkaew-orphanage.org), 75 Wualai Rd., 100m southwest of the Chiang Mai Gate. You don’t have to call in advance. If you show up around 2:30pm, after the children’s afternoon nap, you can play with them until 6pm or so. Most of them are between 2 and 4 years old. Food or toy donations are also welcomed. For any other questions about volunteering, ask at Eagle House in Chiang Mai (See, Accommodations, ).
Chaiyapruk Foundation, 32/2 Moo 1, Soi Chadsan Thaharnrua, Sukhumvit 103, Bangkok 10260, Thailand (☎02 328 0272; www.geocities.com/chaiyaprukhome). An orphanage run by 2 doctors that maintains a home and school for about 30 children. Volunteers accepted.
Fountain of Life, 3/199 Moo 6 Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150, Thailand (☎38 361 720; www.fountainoflifepattaya.com). A daycare center that strives to provide children from the slums of Pattaya with health care and counseling.
Pattaya Orphanage Trust, 124 North End House, Fitzjames Avenue, London W14 ORZ UK, (☎+44 020 7602 6203; www.pattayaorphanage.org.uk). The UK-based trust supports orphanages in Pattaya, Rayong, and Nong Khai. The orphanage needs long-term volunteers to undertake responsibilities from taking care of babies to teaching English at the Vocational School for the Physically Handicapped.
Right to Play, 65 Queen Street West, Thomson Building, Ste. 1900, Box 64, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2M5 Canada (☎+1-416-498-1922; www.righttoplay.com). A Canadian organization that uses sports to enhance child development in 23 countries around the world, including Thailand. Volunteers accepted for 1-year positions.
Tree of Life, 166/23 Na Watpa, Amphur Muang, Changwat, Buriram 31000, Thailand (☎44 617 011; www.treeoflifeorphanage.com). A small home orphanage in northern Thailand. Volunteers welcome.