Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volunteering
When you travel to another country it is easier to see the areas of suffering and injustice
more clearly than you can in your own country. And Thailand is still technically a develop-
ing country, lacking a tight-knit welfare system, an executed environmental protection pro-
gram and equal labour protections. There are a myriad organisations in Thailand to address
both the needs of the locals and visitors' desire to help. Be aware, though, that so-called
'voluntourism' has become a big business and that not every organisation fulfills its prom-
ise of meaningful experiences. Before making a commitment, do your homework on the
tour organiser and the volunteer facility.
Environmental & Animal Welfare Work
A number of NGOs undertake local conservation efforts, and run rescue and sanctuary
centres for wild animals that have been adopted as pets, or veterinarian clinics that tend to
the domesticated population of dogs and cats. At centres and sanctuaries that rely on volun-
teer labour, your hard work is often rewarded with meaningful interactions with the anim-
als.
Highland Farm Gibbon Sanctuary
(
www.gibbonathighlandfarm.org
; Mae Sot)
Gives a permanent home to
orphaned, abandoned and mistreated gibbons; volunteers are asked for a one-month com-
mitment and to help with farm chores.
Starfish Ventures
(
www.starfishvolunteers.com
)
Places volunteers in conservation, teaching and animal welfare pro-
grams throughout Thailand.
Wild Animal Rescue Foundation
(WARF;
www.warthai.org
) Operates the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre and a
conservation education centre in Ranong Province on the Andaman Coast. Job placements include assisting with the daily
care of gibbons that are being rehabilitated for life in the wild or counting and monitoring sea-turtle nests.
Wildlife Friends of Thailand Rescue Centre
(
www.wfft.org
;
Phetchaburi) Volunteers care for sun bears, macaques and
gibbons at an animal rescue centre.
There are also smaller organisations listed in the On the Road chapters.
Humanitarian & Educational Work
Northern Thailand, especially Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, has a number of volunteer op-
portunities to work with disadvantaged hill-tribe groups. Chiang Mai, Mae Sot and Sangkh-
laburi have communities of Burmese refugees and migrants. There are also many volunteer
teaching positions in northeastern Thailand. Organisations require varying time commit-
