Thailand: Volunteering in Asia

Volunteering Projects and Internships in Asia - Thailand

 
Thailand Map
 

Thailand is a popular and exhilarating country in which to volunteer abroad. Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Projects Abroad Thailand is based in Ao Nang near Krabi, a 1-hour flight south of Bangkok, on the Andaman Sea coast. This area is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs. Volunteers can choose from Teaching, Care, Conservation & Environment, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy volunteer placements in Thailand.

Most of our Teaching and Care projects are located in and around Krabi town and Ao Nang. We also have some Teaching and Care projects about two hours drive away in Phuket. All Teaching and Care volunteers live with local host families.

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy volunteers also live with host families and are usually based in Krabi, Phuket or Surat Thani, two hours from Krabi. Nursing volunteers are also based in Surat Thani.

Conservation volunteers are based at our shared volunteer house just inland from Ao Nang.

Children at a Care placement In whichever location you volunteer, other volunteers and staff will be close by, which creates a great volunteer spirit, as well as a feeling of belonging to the local community. The friendliness of the Thai people is world renowned. Many will want to practice speaking English with you, whether on the bus, at the market or on your walk home from work.

Volunteering on a placement overseas in Thailand

Thailand is a great introduction to South East Asia. It's a beautiful country where there's much to see, including pristine beaches, exotic food and golden temples. Anyone doing overseas voluntary work in Thailand will have the chance to get beneath the country that tourists see, and discover the incredibly friendly people and unique culture that define this beautiful place.

Unlike much of Asia, Thailand has never been colonised by the West. Consequently, Thai culture and deeply felt Buddhism are influential throughout the country; even amid the urban bustle and with the onslaught of tourism. Modern Thailand juxtaposes the influence of the West with its many ancient beliefs, and is a fascinating place to experience while you are volunteering abroad.

Volunteer Travel and Tourism Thailand

A beach in Thailand At weekends or on days off, volunteers often choose to explore attractions in the surrounding region. Boats regularly leave from Krabi to Ko Phi Phi Island, famous location of the film, The Beach. There are numerous local activities, including rock climbing and elephant trekking, and many beautiful beaches on which to relax, party or take part in water sports. Plus, as the Conservation volunteers in Thailand quickly discover, the seas around Krabi are superb for snorkelling and diving.

After finishing your voluntary work in Thailand, you can choose to venture further a field. Travel within the country is simple and cheap. Popular trips include trekking in the northern jungles of Chiang Mai or relaxing and diving on the paradise islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao. You could always travel on through South-East Asia, which can be done very cheaply by bus and train. Recently launched low-cost airlines are tempting people to explore even more widely. Remember that however much of Thailand and South-East Asia you see, it's unlikely to be enough!