Looking to volunteer in Thailand? Great choice! Thailand is a place to feel at ease. In the land of beaches and smiles it is not hard to let go of everything. At the same time, its ancient temples, ruined cities and the lush jungles are a playground for adventurers.
Being a volunteer in Thailand makes this experience even more unique. It gives you the chance to experience the culture like a local person would. Let us give you important tips on when to go, what costs you can expect and what precautions to take. Moreover, find out about the available volunteer opportunities in Thailand. Of course, we also want to give you some tips for your free time!
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[item title=”Top 6 fun facts about Thailand”]
- The word “Thailand” means “land of the free”.
- Thailand is home to the world’s ninth tallest statue, The Great Buddha of Thailand, located at the Wat Muang Monastery.
- Thailand is the only country in south-east Asia that hasn’t been colonised by Europeans.
- Thailand’s coastline is 3219 km long.
- In Thailand, it is illegal to leave your house without underwear on.
- And last but not least, this is Bangkok’s real name: Krungthepmahanakhon Amonrattanakosin Mahintharayutthaya Mahadilokphop Noppharatratchathaniburirom Udomratchaniwetmahasathan Amonphimanawatansathit Sakkathattiyawitsanukamprasit.
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Social projects in Thailand
Animal
Protecting the wildlife is an important cause. As a volunteer in Thailand you can make a huge difference by supporting the organizations that are active in this field. Especially elephants play a particularly important role in the Thai society and culture, but also in the tourism industry. When working with elephants, it is important to ask yourself if the animals are treated appropriately (Find out more about this topic here). The Thai wildlife population is threatened for a variety of reasons. Some of the concerns are poaching, the loss of their natural habitat and that wild animals are being caught and sold as pets. Volunteer work in Thailand can therefore make a difference where it’s really needed!
Education
It’s interesting to mention that teachers hold a very high position in Thai society. The relationship between teachers and students is very respectful and characterized by the expectations towards the teacher – for example to be patient and show good manners. Volunteering in a Thai school is therefore rewarding work and means becoming a well respected member of the school community. People in many areas of Thailand don’t have access to quality education and especially to language education. By volunteering as an English teacher you will really impact peoples lives and improve their career chances.
Community
Thai town development projects are based on the idea that all people have the basic right to a decent standard of living. Volunteering in a community does not only help the people, it’s also a fast track to getting to know the Thai way of life. This work is perfect for anyone who enjoys working outside. It’s also very rewarding to actually see what you’ve built and achieved at the end of the day.
Living costs for a volunteer in Thailand
It’s possible to live on very little money as a volunteer in Thailand. A meal in a restaurant is $ 2.75 on average and the costs for using public transit start at $ 0.55. The suggested daily budget for volunteering in Thailand is between $ 13 and $ 22.
Our table gives an overview on some of the average prices you need to know:
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| Hotel $ 22.72 |
Big Mac® $ 2.75 |
Coca-Cola® $ 0.63 |
Eating out $ 2.75 |
Rental car $ 137.68/week |
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| Hostel $ 6.88 |
Marlboro™ $ 2.20 |
Beer $ 2.20 |
Fuel $ 1.16 |
Public transport $ 0.55 |
Additional costs: As a volunteer in Thailand you should also consider the program fees, the costs for your flight and for your visa.
Good to know: Tipping is not a standard in Thailand but it’s appreciated. When there are a few coins left over from a bill, you can offer them as a tip.
Best time to volunteer in Thailand
The first step when planning your volunteer experience in Thailand is to decide on when to go. The seasons are quite important when making this decision, so let’s take a look at the Thai climate and weather. Thailand has three official seasons: Hot, wet and cold.
The hot season (Mar – Jun)
This season runs from March to June, with temperatures often rising to 35 °C (95 °F) in Bangkok. The best thing to do during that time: Hit the beach. (Don’t forget your sun cream 🏖)
The wet season (Jun – Oct)
This season is the least predictable of the three, because it varies in length and intensity from year to year. It officially begins in June and runs until October, but in the south the rains don’t stop until late November. On the Gulf Coast (like Samui, Phangan and Tao) the season officially starts in November and runs until May.
The rain isn’t constant during that season though. Especially in the early months it often rains for two hours a day, and then dries out. Late in the season the rains are at their heaviest, but as long as you are prepared, you can still enjoy your stay!
The ‘cold’ season (Nov – Feb)
This season normally runs from November to February and still feels hot to most visitors, with temperatures that can still reach 30 °C (86 °F). This season is the most pleasant time for volunteering in Thailand, but be aware that it can get quite chilly in the north and northeast.
Whenever you’re volunteering in Thailand: Bring a lot of light clothes!
…What did we learn? We learned how our small donation and a little help can go a long way for the children and the school. – Chelsea (22), volunteer from the USA
What precautions should I consider as a volunteer in Thailand?
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[item title=”Eat and drink safe”]The thai street food is not only cheap but also delicious and known for its high quality. But you should still be careful when eating out. Remember to wash your hands before and after eating. It can also be helpful to eat where there are many people, because due to the fast turnover the food is likely to be fresh. Important: Don’t drink tap water.[/item]
[item title=”Cultural features”]
- An important part of volunteering in Thailand (or any country) is getting to know the culture. To avoid misunderstandings, it really helps to familiarize yourself with the cultural norms before starting your journey.
- You should never touch a Thai person’s head. The Thai people consider the head the most sacred part of the body and keeping face is very important to them. This means getting angry or raising your voice will not help any situation.
- A smile however will always help. The Thais tend to smile a lot, which is why the country is sometimes referred to as the “land of smiles”.
- In contrast to the head, the feet symbolize the lowest part of the body. For this reason you should never point your feet towards any person or sacred image.
- When visiting temples you’ll always have to take off your shoes. This can apply to houses as well.
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[item title=”Thai Law”]
- You need to carry a photo ID with you always. But it’s wise to carry photocopies instead of the original documents.
- Drug laws: Never (!) buy, use or transport drugs. In Thailand this is punishable by death and there are no exceptions made for tourists!
- It’s against the law to deface any image of the king (including Thai money)! You can be sent to jail for that.
- Drinking laws: The legal drinking age is 20. It’s illegal to drink in temples or places of worship, public offices, education institutions, public parks, petrol stations and pharmacies.
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[item title=”Fight the mosquitos”]In Thailand they’re everywhere, but that doesn’t mean that you need to accept them and live with the bites. Use a spray-on repellent (during the day and at night). You can also use a permethrin spray on your clothes. Leave them outside and wait until they’re dry before wearing them.[/item]
[item title=”General advice”]Be cautious with your money: Set a price before getting in a tuk tuk and make sure that the taxis you’re using are being metered. Don’t trust strangers who want to sell information about tourist attractions on the street. It’s better to check with your hotel or hostel.[/item]
[item title=”Packing essentials”]
- Essentials are swim wear as well as a raincoat and an umbrella
- Don’t forget sun cream and insect repellent
- Earplugs are also helpful
- Bring the right clothes: You should choose light, but long clothes. Don’t wear sleeveless tops or short shorts in public areas.
- Copies of your passport, travel insurance and blood type card
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Key phrases
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| Hello: [sa-wùt dee krúp] if you’re male; [sa-wùt dee kà] if you’re female | Goodbye: [sa-wùt dee krúp] if you’re male; [sa-wùt dee kà] if you’re female | Thank you: [kòrp-kOOn] | How are you?: [sa-bai dee mái?] |
How to spend your free time as a volunteer in Thailand?
Volunteering in Thailand will have a lasting impact on you. The rewarding work is one reason for that, but experiencing a new and different culture is part of it too.
You’ll get to know Thailand’s unique spirit, from the friendly people to the wonders of the great outdoors. Here is a list of things you shouldn’t miss:
Beaches
This point will already be on every volunteer’s Thailand bucket list. But just to get you even more excited about your volunteering experience in Thailand, let us remind you that: The beaches along Thailand’s two coastlines are not only famous tourist destinations but also popular amongst filmmakers. Two famous examples are the films “The beach”, shot at Ko Phi Phi Lee, and the island Khao Phing Kan, that is often called “James bond island” after appearing in two of the films. The beaches and islands are also a paradise for everyone who loves water sports. The spectacular underwater scenery around Ko Nang Yuan for example is perfect for diving and snorkeling.
Our top 5 beaches in Thailand:
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[item title=”Railay Beach, Krabi”]The idyllic beach is accessible only by boat and very quiet, as it’s isolated from the mainland through its high cliffs.[/item]
[item title=”Phra Nang Beach, Krabi”]Phra Nang is close to Railey beach, so make sure to visit both of them. There are also good places for rock climbing and some caves nearby.[/item]
[item title=”Khao Lak”]Khao Lak is a series of charming villages surrounded by beautiful beaches, located an hour north of Phuket.[/item]
[item title=”Kantiang Beach, Koh Lanta”]The bay is located at the deep south of Ko Lanta, the less touristy part of Lanta Island. It’s a great place for diving, offering spectacular reefs and great visibility.[/item]
[item title=”Phi Phi Don, Koh Phi Phi”]With its stunning beaches, this place has become popular among tourists, but you can still find stretches of sand that are less busy.[/item]
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…Working with the elephants in Thailand was way more than I had imagined, they are such an amazing species, gentle giants who have feelings just like us. – Asia (22), volunteer from Canada
Cuisine
You’ll notice the compelling scent of food and spices filling the air of Bangkok and other big cities, luring you to stop by one of the floating markets.
Tip: The markets often offer the best food – from seafood to curries and noodle dishes, you’ll find it all. Make sure to try many of the delicious Thai dishes while treating yourself with some of the local beer.
Mountains and jungles
Get to know a different kind of Thai landscape and vegetation by trekking or hiking the country’s lush mountain jungles. There aren’t many national parks, that allow visitors to explore the trails by themselves though.
Tip: At Khao Yai national park it’s possible to discover its network of hiking trails by yourself (along with waterfalls, orchids and wild animals!).
Temples
Buddhism is the country’s main religion – it’s practiced by 95 per cent of the population – and that’s why there are temples everywhere. Visiting some of the temples and ancient cities is a must for every volunteer in Thailand, but you wouldn’t get around it anyway 😉.
Tip: The city of Ayutthaya should definitely make it on your list! The city is located about 80 km north of Bangkok and was the capital of the kingdom of Siam. Today, it offers a stunning view over red brick temple ruins and is particularly beautiful at sunset.
Sports
Thailand is a place for adventure. If you think snorkelling is nice, but are looking for more action, don’t worry! You’ll find lots of places for activities like rock-climbing, rafting and mountain biking (just to name a few).
Tip: The Railay peninsula is a great place for rock climbing (It’s Thailand’s premier site for climbers actually). You’ll find over 700 routes for beginners as well as experts and it’s possible to rent all of the equipment. If you prefer water sports, go on a rafting trip down the Pai river and take in waterfalls and hot springs on the way.
Volunteer requirements
The language requirements to volunteer in Thailand depend on the program you are interested in, but basic English is a must. The minimum age is 18 years. You can choose to stay between one week and 50 weeks. The average program fees per week are approx. $ 300-400.
How to find Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand
Explore volunteer programs in Thailand and find your very own volunteer opportunity in the “land of smiles” on Volunteer World. Featuring more than 500 volunteer programs and over 600 social projects in 70+ countries, Volunteer World is a one-stop resource for volunteer abroad opportunities. This platform makes planning your volunteering experience in Thailand simple and transparent.
