Here Are the Most Popular Types of Volunteer Work in Thailand

Volunteer work in Thailand is life-changing! Complete with high-standing temples, lush jungle terrain and clear, crystal waters, Thailand is a dream for most travelers. A country that is developed, yet still in need of further development makes for an ideal volunteer abroad location. Volunteers can assist communities in need during the week, and then enjoy the touristic and developed regions on weekends.

From the cities of Bangkok and Siemp Reap to Phang Nga Bay and rural villages, Thailand has no shortage of volunteer placement choice. In the stunning Phang Nga Bay, volunteers can put their snorkeling skills to use to contribute to the conservation of this amazing marine ecosystem.

Volunteers who are searching for a culturally immersive experience can head up to the mountains of Northern Thailand to learn about the Akha and other hill tribes, and to lend a hand in these communities.

Top areas for volunteer work in Thailand

These important causes in Thailand are in need of extra helping hands and hearts.

1. Elephant Care

When Thailand comes to mind, so do majestic elephants. Unfortunately, these gentle giants are exploited widely throughout the country for tourism purposes. Elephant riding in particular is a popular, yet unethical practice that lures tourists to Thailand. There are, however, a wide variety of elephant refuge programs. Volunteers who partake in elephant refuge and conservation programs can help care for elephants that have been rescued from a lifetime of abuse.

Be sure to read up on the ethics of volunteering abroad with elephants to make sure it’s the right choice for you and your skills.

• Skills Needed: The only thing needed for these programs is a love for animals.
• Suggested program duration: Two to four weeks, as tasks are generally repetitive.
• Recommended program: GoEco – Elephant Forest Refuge

2. Stray Dog Care

Another area of need for volunteer work in Thailand is the amount of stray dogs that you will see throughout the country. These dogs are usually in poor health, and are reproducing at a rapid rate. This has led to the creation of several clinics that have opened to take in these strays. Often, the clinics provide veterinary care, including vaccinations and sterilization, and volunteers can assist in searching for potential adopters.

• Skills Needed: The only skill needed for these programs is a love for animals. Experience with dogs or veterinary skills are also an advantage.
• Suggested program duration: Four weeks, to increase the chance of finding suitable adopters.
• Recommended program: Xplore Asia - Rescue Paws, a Dog Rescue Program in Hu Hin, Thailand

3. English Teaching

As Thailand is a popular tourist destination, knowledge of the English language is rather essential for its citizens. Those with a high level of English will be able to find jobs and volunteer work in Thailand with ease, as opposed to those without English skills. Volunteering to teach English is a popular volunteering trend in general worldwide, and Thailand is no exception. English teaching opportunities can be found throughout the country, from large cities to the more rural communities.

• Skills Needed: High level of English, if not a native speaker. TEFL certificate is an advantage.
• Suggested program duration: One to two months, as tasks vary by day.
• Recommended program: GVI Volunteer with Children in Thailand

4. Environmental Conservation

Thailand boasts a diverse landscape, from deep green forests to stunning, sandy beaches. As with all places in the world, conservation of the environment is essential. Volunteers can choose between the different ecosystems in Thailand, but a popular choice is marine conservation.

Thailand has many beautiful coastal areas to choose from, but Phang Nga Bay is a unique environment. Located near to other islands, volunteers will enjoy conducing biodiversity surveys on both the Bay and these small islands. The Bay is also home to sea turtles, so there is also the chance to get involved with sea turtle conservation tasks, as well.

• Skills Needed: No previous experience needed, just a passion for environmental conservation.
• Suggested program duration: Two to four weeks, as tasks may get repetitive.
• Recommended program: Coastal Conservation in Phang Nga

5. Sustainability

Alongside environmental conservation is sustainability. Due to Thailand’s hot climate, houses built from clay and mud are gaining in popularity. The eco-friendly mud is a natural alternative to concrete, and acts as a sustainable building material. Volunteers can choose to assist in the building of these eco-friendly, sustainable community buildings near Sing Buri.

• Skills Needed: No previous experience or special skills needed.
• Suggested program duration: One month.
• Recommended program: Eco Clay Community Construction

6. Medical Care

Thailand attracts many medical tourists—those seeking affordable medical treatments—each year. That’s why there’s a wide array of placement options for those seeking medical volunteer opportunities in Thailand. Volunteers can assist in city hospitals, rural villages or in clinics that serve poor communities whose members can’t afford care.

All of these options are ideal for volunteers, but also for those looking to intern and learn about different medical techniques. Whether you’re interested in boosting your resume with international medical experience, or just looking to provide hands-on care, a medical volunteer program in Thailand is an affordable and rewarding experience.

• Skills Needed: Volunteers will medical experience will be given more tasks, but for some medical programs, no previous medical experience is necessary to shadow medical professionals.
• Suggested program duration: Four weeks or more to gain more valuable experience.
• Recommended program: Love Volunteers - Medical Internship in Thailand

7. Community Aid

Community aid volunteer work in Thailand is ideal for those who may want to help children through a less structured teaching program. Volunteers who want to help with community construction are also ideal for this type of project. Another advantage of this type of program is that volunteers have a choice of placement, and they can switch between the two if needed. Community aid programs are generally more culturally immersive experiences, as well. They are an especially excellent choice for first-time volunteers.

• Skills Needed: No previous experience or special skills needed.
• Suggested program duration: Four weeks.
• Recommended program: Learn, Volunteer and Travel

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Next steps to finding volunteer work in Thailand

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop, know where many volunteers choose to spend their time, and know common causes that volunteers are working to eradicate, it's time to choose who you want to volunteer abroad with! Choosing a program isn't as hard as it sounds, especially if you follow these steps:

• Decide where to go. Figuring out where YOU should volunteer in Thailand is paramount. Have a short list of locations that sound ideal for your goals and skills. Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.
• Pick your project. We outlined a few common causes that international volunteers support above. Do some reflection on what expertise you bring to the table, and which project would best benefit from your time and energy.
• Choose from the best volunteer abroad programs in Thailand. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and how the project's needs match your skills. Some programs may even share contact info for ambassadors or past participants if you want the REAL dirt. Here are more considerations to make as you figure out how to choose the right volunteer program for you. Pro tip: You can use MyGoAbroad to compare programs side-by-side.
• Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and splurge on travel (in addition to program costs and airfare). Be sure to raise a little extra money to donate to the organization that you'll be working with. Learning how to fund your volunteer abroad adventure is essential prior to your travels!
• Get prepared! Preparing to volunteer abroad is as fun as it sounds. With the days til departure number dwindling and your excitement boiling, it can be easy to overlook the details. Lean on us to help guide you through your pre-departure process—that's what we're here for. 

Time to pick your project then volunteer in Thailand!

Thailand is home not just to various terrains, but also to various, rewarding volunteer abroad opportunities. Wildlife lovers can enjoy meaningful projects to help rescue and rehabilitate elephants that were previously used in tourism or for logging.

General animal lovers, and future veterinarians will benefit from working in one of various clinics that work to provide care for abandoned and stray dogs. Nature lovers can choose between initiatives to save the forest, to help conserve delicate marine ecosystems throughout Thailand’s coasts, or to support eco-friendly initiatives. 

Community-minded volunteers can help through dedicating time at teaching, child care, cultural immersion, construction or medical care programs. These programs tend to provide a more cultural experience, and the choice of location is greater. No matter the program you choose, however, whether it is for wildlife or local community members, finding suitable volunteer opportunities in Thailand is easily possible!

Get Matched with 5 Volunteer Programs in Thailand for FREE

This article was written with help from GoEco, who has been named a Top Volunteer Abroad Organization of 2018 by GoAbroad, a Best Sustainable Tour Operator finalist by the Global Youth Travel Awards, and one of GoEco’s programs in Belize was named a finalist for Most Innovative New Volunteer Program of 2018 by GoAbroad.