Thailand is known the world over as one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is hardly surprising that this is the case since it has a lot to offer guests, such as pristine beaches, adventure activities, impressive biodiversity, and much more.
In recent years, however, there’s one thing that has gained a lot of popularity and become one of the top reasons why people visit Thailand, which is volunteering for a cause. People from all over the world now visit to volunteer in Thailand and work towards a meaningful cause.
Thailand is one of the most rewarding locations to volunteer. Thais are some of the most welcoming, fun-loving, and warmest people on the planet. People that have previously volunteered in the country often state how much of an enjoyable experience it was. You too can have a similar experience by trying out the following opportunities to volunteer in Thailand:
Table of Contents
1. Caring for Elephants
The image that comes to mind when most people think of Thailand is that of elephants. Unfortunately, elephants are widely exploited throughout Thailand for tourism. Elephant riding is quite a popular but unethical practice for luring tourists to the country.
Fortunately, a wide variety of elephant refuge programs have been introduced to curb the menace. Volunteers that partake in elephant conservation and refuge programs help care for elephants that have been rescued from a lifetime of abuse.
Recommended Elephant Care Volunteer Programs/Locations:
- Tong Bai Elephant Foundation
- Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary
2. Caring for Stray Dogs
Thailand has an incredible number of stray dogs, which is why it is hardly surprising that there’s another opportunity for volunteer work. The strays are usually in poor health and reproducing at an incredibly rapid rate.
The stray dog epidemic has thus given rise to the creation of several clinic that have been established to take better care of these dogs. The clinics often offer veterinary care, which includes sterilization and vaccinations, and volunteers can help search for potential adopters.
Recommended Stray Dog Care Volunteer Programs/Locations:
- Greenheart Travel Volunteer program in Hua Hin
- Lanta Animal Welfare (LAW)
- Rescue Paws program in Hua Hin
3. Teaching English
Thailand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, which is why knowledge of the English language is important for its citizens. People with a high level of English can find jobs with relative ease compared to those lacking English skills.
Volunteering to teach English is one of the most popular trends the world over, and Thailand isn’t an exception. English teaching opportunities are available throughout the country, from rural communities to large cities.
Recommended Volunteer Programs/Locations for English Teaching:
- Teach Thailand Corps (TTC)
- GVI Volunteer with Children in Thailand
4. Environmental Conservation
Thailand has a diverse landscape that ranges from stunning, sandy beaches to deep green forests. Environmental conservation is important in Thailand as it is in all places in the world. Volunteers are free to choose from any of the various ecosystems, but marine conservation is a popular option.
Thailand has many beautiful coastal areas to choose from, but one unique environment is Phang Nga Bay. It is situated close to other islands and volunteers will enjoy undertaking biodiversity surveys on the small islands as well as the Bay. The Bay also provides the chance to get involved with sea turtle conservation since it is home to sea turtles.
Recommended Volunteer Programs/Locations for Environmental Conservation:
- Coastal Conservation in Phang Nga
- International Volunteer Community Association (IVCA) whose focus is Phadam Forest
5. Sustainability
Sustainability complements environmental conservation. Due to the hot climate in Thailand, houses built from mud and clay and growing in terms of popularity. The mud is an excellent eco-friendly alternative to concrete and acts as a sustainable material for construction.
Volunteers can help with the construction of these environmentally friendly, sustainable community buildings throughout the country. Volunteers can also participate in other sustainability projects in various parts of Thailand.
Recommended Volunteer Programs/Locations for Sustainability:
- Eco Clay Community Construction
- The Life Development Center in Chiang Mai
6. Medical Care
Thailand is an attractive destination for many medical tourists i.e. the people seeking affordable medical treatments. That’s why there are many placement options for people seeking medical volunteer opportunities in the country.
Volunteers can help out in city hospitals, in clinics serving poor communities where people are unable to afford care, or even in rural villages. Any of these options is ideal for volunteers as well as those looking for internships and learning about various medical techniques.
Whether you would like to simply boost your resume with international medical experience or want to provide hands-on care, a medical volunteer program in Thailand can be both a rewarding and affordable experience.
Recommended Volunteer Programs/Locations for Medical Care:
- Institute for Field Research Expeditions (IFRE)
- Rural Community Development Program (RCDP)
- Volunteering Solutions
- Helping Abroad
7. Community Aid
Community aid volunteer work in Thailand is a great option for those that would like to help children through a less structured reaching program among other programs aimed at promoting growth and development of communities throughout Thailand.
Volunteers that would like to help with community construction are also ideal for such projects. The other key advantage with this type of program is that volunteers have a choice when it comes to placement.
Community aid volunteer programs also tend to be culturally immersive experiences too. They are thus a great choice for first-time volunteers.
Final Thoughts
Thailand is one of the top destinations for volunteering abroad for a variety of reasons: laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, white sandy beaches, great food, a variety of interesting cultures, and that’s just for starters.
One key benefit of volunteering in Thailand is that you have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the culture. Volunteering in Thailand means working alongside villagers and participating in meaningful project related to agriculture, education, animal care, conservation work, and more.
If you want to play your part in making the world a better place no matter how small you feel your contribution is, you definitely need to volunteer in Thailand.