VOLUNTEER
Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF)
Volunteers can work with gibbons, sea turtles, dugongs (sea cows) and other animals. Tasks include feeding, cleaning cages and documenting behaviours, such as gibbon singing. You can also give talks to tourists and teach your native language in local schools.
Thai Children’s Trust
This UK-based organization works with tsunami orphans, refugee children, as well as kids living with HIV/AIDS and disabilities. Volunteers can get involved in various programmes including a drop-in for street kids, an orphanage, a safe house and a school.
Rejoice Charity
In Chiang Mai, this organization supports HIV-affected people and provides basic health care in village communities. Volunteers can come for a period of one week to two months.
Projects Abroad
Volunteer and internship opportunities are located in the Andaman Sea coast area around Krabi Ao Nang, as well as Chumphon on the east coast. You can work in teaching, care, conservation, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Most locations offer host families.
Cross-Cultural Solutions
In Bangkok, volunteers can teach English at daycare centres, hospitals and schools for monks. In Trang, further south, volunteers work in care-giving and teaching, while enjoying cultural activities like shadow-play puppetry.
Globe Aware
Week-long volunteer vacations take place in Bangkok and nearby Ayuthaya. Many volunteer work with monks, teach English or give computer training. Environmental protection is also a priority.
STUDY
Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA)
On the island of Ko Samui, this school helps you bring home the flavours of Thailand with daily three-hour lunch and dinnertime cooking classes. There’s also a 6-day immersion course and a 12-day professional training programme. You can even learn fruit and vegetable carving.
Baan Phaasaa Thai
In downtown Bangkok, this school offers lessons and classes in Thai. Choose from any level or take the 15-hour course for tourists and short-term residents.
A.U.A. Thai
The Automatic Language Growth programme, also in downtown Bangkok, teaches the language through real-life experiences without memorization, homework or tests.
Tiger Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts Training Camp
This Phuket facility trains from beginner to professional levels. The MMA programme combines Muay Thai (Thai boxing using fists, feet, elbows and knees) with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling. They also have yoga, fitness, detox, weight loss, running, weight lifting and nutrition programmes. Women and men train at the camp as well as children over the age of seven.
Pacific Discovery
Their small group adventures include an eight week Southeast Asia Semester Program, with overland travel through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia and the possibility of getting university credit. The month-long Thailand Summer Program includes two weeks of volunteer work with Burmese migrants and others.
Related Articles:
Wave of Change: Five Years After the Tsunami
Taming the Tiger: Inside Thailand's Tiger Temple
All About Thailand: Vital Statistics
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