You are about to discover a new culture, accomplish something unforgettable, and explore the best Thailand has to offer!

Thailand

We are excited to get your placement under way where you will:

  • Assist in a wildlife or elephant rescue centre, feeding, maintaining and caring for mistreated and domesticated animals.
  • Have the 24/7 support of a non profit with 10 years experience in placing 17841 volunteers that will provide you with an affordable and rewarding placement.
  • Recommended by Bill Gates and CNN.
  • Be a part of progressive non profit that has raised over $1.8 million to help women and children in need.
  • Have the comfort of knowing that GVN staff have collectively flown over 1 million miles to ensure you get a quality placement.
  • Make a long-term impact in your community of choice - it's not just a vacation.

Just choose a project and apply:

 
 

Apply Now Big

Share |
Email Us

The Projects

Elephant Refuge and Education Centre

Elephant Refuge and Education Centre

There are approximately 3500 domesticated elephants in Thailand. It has been estimated that there are around 200 elephants begging on the streets in the larger cities in Thailand. Cities are harsh environments for such a large forest animal, with the elephants under constant threat of road accidents, pollution and a scorching heat that can be fatal to a large mammal such as the elephant. Volunteers are needed to assist the local staff at the Refuge Centre to ensure that from now onwards the elephants have a better quality of life in their natural environment. Volunteers will have the opportunity to work hands on with the elephants. The main duties include: 

  • cleaning elephant enclosures
  • feeding and watering the elephants 
  • harvesting food for the elephants
  • washing the elephants
  • maintaining the elephant refuge

This program is suitable for volunteers with enthusiasm, a love for animals, and above all an interest in elephants! No animal experience is necessary, although representatives from relevant fields are more than welcome to contribute to the team.

Apply Now!

Wildlife Rescue Centre

Wildlife Rescue Centre

Animals you can expect to work with at the centre include a variety of macaques, two species of gibbon, several species of civets, loris, leopard cats, bears, crocodile, and exotic birds. The centre tries to provide these animals with enclosures as close to nature as possible or, where possible, reintroduction to the wild. Depending on the duration of your stay, your education and experience, you may participate in the following activities:

  • Preparing and giving out food to all animals
  • Maintaining enclosures and building enrichments
  • Daily cleaning of enclosures

The aim of the project is to save wild animals and their habitat from destruction. Their strategy towards achieving this aim involves three complementary tasks:

  • Through the education program, encourage local people, tourists and the international community to appreciate, understand and protect wild animals and their rainforest habitat;
  • Assist in and develop new projects involved in the protection, education, captive breeding, rehabilitation, humane housing and welfare of all wild animals;
  • To rehabilitate captive wild animals and release them back into the wild, repopulating forest areas, where they have become rare to extinct.

Apply Now!

Gallery

Video

About Thailand

Thailand

Approximately the size of France, Thailand covers an area of 510,000 square kilometres, and its population of 60 million is growing at a rate of 1.5% per year. Thailand shares its border with Myanmar in the west and north, Laos in the northeast, Cambodia in the east and Malaysia in the south.

The program is located in Kao Look Chang in the Petchaburi province, close to the beaches of Cha-am and Hua-hin and approximately 160km south of Bangkok.

Volunteer Impact

Most of the animals residing at the sanctuary were maltreated before they arrived here, suffering from abuse, malnutrition, neglect and improper care, rescued from the illegal pet trade, or have previously been exploited for the tourism industry. Many of the animals arrive with permanent disabilities and hence, cannot be returned to the wild. The centre's mission is to give these animals the best quality of life possible in captivity.

What else can I do in Thailand?

Visitors to Thailand will have no problem finding things to do!

Take some time before or after your volunteer placement to explore urban Bangkok, bohemian Chiang Mai and the island of Ko Phi Phi.

During your free time when volunteering you can explore the local towns and their restaurants, markets, spas and hotels.  Or take some time to cool off at the beach with a dip in the sea.

 

Costs

How it works...

If your application is successful you will accepted and we will then get to work organizing your placement. You don't have to pay us anything at this stage. (We are the only volunteer organization which begins preparation for your placement before any funds are paid). It is an honor for us to do this as you have chosen GVN and the communities we serve for your volunteer work and after you have chosen to "Join Us" we will send further detail on your placement with information on how to prepare for your trip abroad, including:

  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

 

Program Package – From US $45 a day* ($300 Early Bird discount available)

Elephant Refuge and Education Centre Program

  • 1 week:  US $1397
  • 2 weeks: US $1597
  • 3 weeks: US $1797
  • 4 weeks: US $1997
  • 6 weeks: US $2397
  • 8 weeks: US $2797

Wildlife Rescue Centre Program

  • 1 week: US$1397
  • 2 weeks: US $1597
  • 3 weeks: US $1797
  • 4 weeks: US $1997
  • 6 weeks: US $2247
  • 8 weeks: US $2497

 Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.

*Based on an 8 week placement

What You Get – Pre-Trip

  • All the support you need from our experienced volunteer coordinator! This include unlimited phone and email access!
  • Your Program Guide: your online resource guide that covers topics such as country information, details on your placement, travel links, visa application process and much more!
  • Your Fundraising Guide and Software: which provides you with proven fundraising strategies, letter generating software and other resources to help you raise up to 100% of the cost of your trip.
  • Video - Preparing for your Trip: join Mike in his volunteer journey, taking you step by step through the preparation process and how to make the most of your experience.
  • Access to Your Own Online Journal: which help you to communicate effectively and easily with your family and friends back home.
  • Opportunities for Preferred Pricing and Personalized Service when booking Airfares: through our travel partner AirTreks who go the extra mile to support GVN volunteers.

What You Get: While in Country

  • Accommodation: Volunteer Bungalow.
  • Meals: 3 meals daily.
  • Training: In-country orientation and training.
  • Supervision: In-country staff supervision.
  • Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line.

What You Get: Post-Trip

  • An opportunity to debrief and provide feedback
  • Free access to GVN Changemakers program which alerts you to future internship/job opportunities at GVN
  • A Letter of Completion in Volunteer Service

crossWhat's Not Included:

Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, transport to placement 2200 Baht (around US $55.00) and departure from the program.

We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $30 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation and entertainment.

Apply now for the Thailand Program:

Apply Now Big

Schedule

Program Schedule

Start Date (Elephant Refuge): any Sunday of the month

Start Date (Wildlife Rescue Centre): any day of the month

Length:  from 1 week - 12 weeks

Please note: Volunteers who wish to stay longer than 12 weeks may negotiate this with the program director when in Thailand

 

FAQ

We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions which we receive at the GVN inbox.  This is a great place to start if you have questions about Global Volunteer Network and our placement process. This information should answer the majority of questions you may have.

Tell me more about Thailand?

The Kingdom of Thailand, covering an area of 514,000 square kilometres, lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, roughly equidistant between India and China. It shares borders with Myanmar to the west and north, Lao P.D.R. to the north and northeast, Cambodia to the east and Malaysia to the south. Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads, and thus strains of Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and most strongly, Chinese stock produce a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that culturally and socially there is enormous unity. For more information  we suggest you purchase the Lonely Planet’s guide to Thailand.

Close

What is the climate like in Thailand?

In Thailand there are three seasons: hot, rainy, and cool. For the Europeans that arrive in Thailand there seems to be only one season: a hot season. During the night the temperature only drops a few degrees and the humidity during the day and night is over 70%.

Close

What kind of volunteer work is available?

Volunteers in the Wildlife Rescue Centre may participate in the following activities:

  • Preparing and giving out food to all animals
  • Maintaining enclosures and building enrichments
  • Daily cleaning of enclosures

Volunteers in the Elephant Refuge program have the opportunityto participate in the following activities:

  • cleaning elephant enclosures
  • feeding and watering the elephants 
  • harvesting food for the elephants
  • bathing the elephants in a lake
  • maintaining the elephant refuge

Close

What hours do I work?

You work a six-day week on varied jobs during the day. Daily jobs start at 6.30am and end at 5.00 pm. You will have breaks during the day, the length of which will depend on the number of volunteers at the centre. All jobs are rostered and are put on a board in the volunteer house in the evening. Where possible, jobs are rotated as fairly as possible so that volunteers have as much variety as possible. On your days off (not necessarily on the weekends) you can go sightseeing or visit other parts of Thailand. Many people choose to relax on the beaches of the nearby resorts of Cha-am or Hua Hin. You can arrange your days off with the volunteer coordinator and we are very flexible in allowing people to take their days off. However, we must make sure that there are always enough volunteers at the project to carry out all the daily tasks. The atmosphere at the center is informal and relaxed and by mutual agreement many things are possible. The project is developing quickly however and therefore the work that has to be done is changing all the time. You will be scheduled where you are most needed and where your skills can be used to the maximum advantage. Please understand that it is not the idyllic and easy holiday that some people expect. The work can be physically demanding in very high temperatures and humidity, however the rewards of helping in the conservation of this country outweigh any of the momentary hardships.

Close

How do I get to the project?

From Bangkok it is possible to travel by bus, train, or taxi. As the location of our wildlife project is not known to everyone it is best to have one of the staff pick you up from either bus or train station in Cha-am. The bus journey from Bangkok lasts between 2 and 4 hours. The project also has contacts with a friendly taxi driver who can meet you at Bangkok International Airport and take you to the project site. A taxi-transfer like this will cost 2200 Baht (approx. 50 EUR), to be paid directly to the driver. To arrange a taxi-transfer, you will need to contact your volunteer coordinator by e-mail, at least two weeks before your scheduled arrival and provide her with your date and time of arrival, as well as your flight number.

Close

Tell me more about the accommodation?

Accommodation is in simple housing at the center, with rooms for one to three people. Most rooms have their own European style toilet (non-flush) and cold water shower. There is a large communal volunteer house with seating and a large kitchen. You must have a positive attitude towards working and living in a group and take on the responsibilities that this holds. Your stay at the center will be rather primitive. Volunteers are expected to help with housekeeping duties and to keep the communal living areas clean at all times. Lunch and dinner is prepared by a Thai cook. She provides mainly Thai food, and although Thai food is usually spicy the cook knows how to please everybody’s taste. For vegetarians special arrangements can be made.

Close

Can I bring my family/children to this program with me?

Because of the nature of the accommodation, and the work that volunteers participate in on this project, it is not appropriate to bring children with you for this project. It is fine to volunteer as a couple in this project, and it may be possible to bring teenagers with you. This will be looked at on a case by case basis.

Close

How does GVN choose volunteers for this program?

Each GVN program has different criteria depending on our partner's requirements. Every application is reviewed to ensure that the minimum requirements (as set out on the program page) are met. Next we look to see what skills or experience you have that relate specifically to the program. We are also interested in any previous volunteer experience you may have (either local or international), travel experience, and your particular interest in the program.

After reviewing your application, should we require any further information from you, we will email you to request this.

Close

What animals do you have at the Wildlife Rescue Center?

It is impossible to write down on one single page the particular details of all the different species you encounter on the center. In general most of the animals are primates; white handed gibbons (Hylobates lar), white-cheeked gibbons (Hylobates leucogenys), agile gibbons (Hylobates agilis), golden-cheeked gibbons (Hylobates gabriellae), pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus), long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), stump-tailed macaques (Macaca arctoides), pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina), assamese macaques (Macaca assamensis), rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), dusky langurs (Trachypeticus obscurus) and slow loris (Nycticebus coucang). We also house Malayan sun bears (Ursus malayanus), Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) otters, several species of civet and a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris). Please do not come to the centre expecting to be able to pet the animals or that they are in any way ‘tame’. We have a strict ‘hands off’ policy for the safety and well-being of both the animals and the volunteers. Serious diseases can be spread to both the animals and the people through contact. Volunteers must remember that the animals at the centre are wild and therefore unpredictable in their behaviour. The center is still developing; the number and the selection of species in the center may have changed by the time you participate.

Close

Do I have to be from New Zealand?

No, the program is open to people from all over the world.

Close

What age do you have to be to volunteer?

You must be 18 years old and above. There is no upper limit, you just have to be in good health.

Close

Do I need to speak English to become a volunteer?

Yes, English is the main language used at the project.

Close

When do I need to arrive in Thailand?

Volunteers in the Wildlife Rescue Centre can start the program at anytime during the year and can volunteer anywhere from a minimum of 2 weeks to a maximum of 12 weeks.

Volunteers in the Elephant Refuge program can start the program on any Sunday in the month they have applied for and can volunteer anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks.

Close

What immunisations/vaccines will I need?

The following vaccinations are considered absolutely necessary:

  • DTP (Diphtheria, tetanus & polio)
  • Hepatitis A and B

Often, for a tourist visit to Thailand vaccination against Hepatitis A is advised, but not for Hepatitis B. However, Hepatitis B is known to sometimes occur in captive primates and therefore this vaccination is highly recommended. Mention this explicitly to your medical consultant: vaccinations are available that combine Hepatitis A and B. Furthermore our partner in Thailand recommends vaccination against Rabies and Tuberculosis. These vaccinations are optional (at your own risk) because these diseases do occur in Thailand, but so far have not been seen at the rescue center.

Close

Are we able to do any sightseeing while volunteering?

Yes, you can do this on your day off. You are also welcome to travel further around Thailand before or after your placement.

Close

Are there more expenses once I arrive?

The in-country fee covers accommodation and meals. If you arrive early or intend on staying on in Thailand for longer than you are volunteering then you will need to have extra money for this time. Also some money may be required for your days off. Other costs include your flights, visa, shots, travel insurance, departure tax, and any shopping you will do personally.

Close

How safe is it to volunteer in Thailand?

We work very hard to ensure you are placed in safe environments while volunteering. Thailand is one of the safer countries in Asia and you will find the people very welcoming and kind.

Close

What clothing do I need?

The reserve is located on temple grounds, and volunteers are expected to respect this by wearing appropriate clothing; shorts should be knee length, and shoulders and midriff should be covered. There is an on-site laundry where your clothes can be washed for a small fee. Due to the nature of the work, it is recommended that volunteers bring lots of old clothes to work in.

Close

How many volunteers are there on site at the same time?

This depends on how many people volunteer at any one time. Usually there are between 4 and 30 volunteers at any one time.

Close

Can you tell me more about your partner in Thailand?

The aim of the project is to save wild animals and their habitat from destruction. Their strategy towards achieving this aim involves three complementary tasks:

  • Through the education program, encourage local people, tourists, and the international community to appreciate, understand and protect wild animals and their rainforest habitat;
  • Assist in and develop new projects involved in the protection, education, captive breeding, rehabilitation, humane housing, and welfare of all wild animals;
  • To rehabilitate captive wild animals and release them back into the wild, repopulating forest areas, where they have become rare to extinct.

Close

Who organizes my visa for my volunteer placement?

You do if it is required. Our program guide has links to Thai Embassies through out the world.

Close

Do I need travel insurance?

All GVN Volunteers must have insurance. You are free to take out insurance cover through any provider of your choice. However, as some policies do not cover volunteering, we recommend you check you are covered during your volunteer placement.

For your convenience we have arranged a comprehensive package specially designed for volunteering. It includes excellent medical and accident coverage as well as “loss of deposits” cover which covers fees paid to GVN, airlines etc. If you would like to learn more just follow this link: http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/insurance/

Close

How do I pay my fees?

Your program fee is payable to Global Volunteer Network 10 weeks prior to the 1st of the month you wish to volunteer.  Please note, your placement is not confirmed (ie secured) until your program fee has been received.  Please note that all charges incurred by the payment of the program fee are at the volunteer’s expense, e.g. if a bank transfer incurs a bank fee at the point of origin, that is at the expense of the volunteer. Seventy percent (70%) of the program fee is refundable until two calendar months before the 1st of the month you are due to begin your program. For example a volunteer with 15 July 2012 as their start date would need to submit their refund request form by the last day of April 2012 to be eligible for a refund. Refer to GVN's legal terms of service for full details.

Close

Volunteer Diaries

Harvest!

Friday, March 08th, 2013

About every other day we go to harvest. The elephants eat banana trees and the top of pineapples in addition to fruit, grass, and some supplements if they need to bulk up. The Thai staff chop down the banana trees with machetes and we carry them to the trucks. Each day we chop them up [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Hard Work!

Saturday, February 23rd, 2013

It has been one week working and I mean working! Though I have quickly learned that there are no typical days, here is a basic run-down: 6:30am: First feeding and cleaning – The elephants get  banana trees that we cut up with machetes, the leaves of the banana trees, pineapple tops, fruit, and some special [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Arrival & Elephants!

Monday, February 18th, 2013

Arrival After flying 18 hrs, passing through a few days, I’m here at the Wildlife Centre! My driver was waiting right where planned and on the 2 1/2 hr drive we chatted about English accents, Harley Davidson, and the fact that he started out being an electrician (an occupation he loved) but being a driver [click here to read more]

Click here to read the full blog entry

Please visit journals.globalvolunteernetwork.org for more journals and feedback from past volunteers

How to Apply

Program Requirements

As a volunteer you must:

  • be in good physical condition, be able to walk long distances and be able to tolerate heat;
  • be 18 years old or over
  • be able to speak English
  • be able to work without assistance
  • be able to work well with others and adapt to group living
  • we are looking for volunteers with a similar ideology to that of the reserve, so people that have worked in the area of training animals for exhibition, or for the benefit of humans are not suitable for this program. If this does apply to you, we have alternative programs working with wildlife in Costa Rica.

Volunteer Feedback

Bethany Amies

"This placement was amazing, it was the best experience I have ever had. The people were amazing and caring, the animals were so beautiful. The trip was a real eye opener! It was a great educational experience, it showed me a lot.

Have a very open mind about the living conditions, just remember that you're not there for the beds or bathrooms you're there because you care about the animals!"


Jessica

"I found the whole experiece wonderful; it was emotionally and physically gruelling at times but that made it all the more fun. I met some friends that i know i will keep for life and thoroghly enjoyed being in such a diverse group of people."

Bronwyn Neale

“It is an amazing experience to work with these wonderful animals and I loved every minute.  It is one of the best things I have ever done.”

 

Sarah Dittmore

Thailand Volunteer Feedback

"The trip was truly incredible. I spent two weeks working there. I worked part time with the elephants and part time with the wildlife. I would highly recommend working in both settings as they both have very different benefits. The work is drastically different in each, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to gain both life changing experiences. My time working through GVN in Thailand taught me so much about the use of animals in the tourist and movie industries that I'd never known about. I also met other amazing volunteers that I am still very close with and formed unbreakable friendships. Of course, I had to learn to wear more bug spray than I ever knew I could need. I worked harder and sweated more than I have ever done in my life. This volunteer opportunity is not for the lazy. You have to be hard working, willing to push yourself, and excited about the work you're doing. But if that's the case, you'll find that this opportunity will reward you in the most desirable ways. I am constantly finding myself reminiscing on my time there and can't wait to go back. Every time I get an email from a GVN volunteer asking about advice for the program, I get extremely jealous. But I also get excited, because if one more person can have the experience I had volunteering in Thailand, I know the world is getting that much better."

Sarah

"When volunteering with [GVN's Thailand partner] you have to have an open mind. The conditions are rural and you will constantly be hot, dirty, and sweaty. With this in mind, it is one of the most gratifying experiences I have ever had. You will meet amazing people and incredible animals that will impact your life forever. [The Thailand program] was such a great experience and I am so grateful to everyone who made my time so exciting and fun. I hope to be back soon!"

Articles

Saving Thailand's Wildlife

It was an alarm clock that never had to be set. Every morning, at around the same time, Chelsea Nordick was awoken beneath her mosquito net canopy to the sound of gibbons singing to each other. "It's one of the things I will miss most," Chelsea said. "At first it was obnoxious and I had trouble sleeping. But after awhile, you get used to it. It...

Read More

News From Thailand

Welcome to the New Arrivals!

28 March 2011

Over the past few months, our partner in Thailand has been particularly busy in terms of new animal arrivals, several of which are babies and as such need hand-rearing. The newest addition, Tee-Daa, is a baby Pig-tail Macaque who arrived last week, after being purchased by a lady at a market in Phuket. Feeling sorry for the macaque, who is around 10 weeks old, the lady purchased Tee-Daa for 1000 Thai baht (roughly £20/$35 US), and a few days later, contacted our partner with regards to providing a permanent home for her. Tee-Daa is now living at the Center, being hand-raised by staff due to her very young age. Due to being hand-reared, it's highly unlikely that she will ever be able to return to the wild, but it's hoped that she might one day be integrated into one of the Center's macaque fields. There she will live as close a life to natural as possible, with the company of a whole macaque troop.

Several long-term trusted volunteers, supervised by staff, are looking after the youngest baby langur Ja-Ja at night as well as Bruno the Serow, as the two babies still need regular feeding throughout the night. A few of our partner's volunteers in Thailand also recently took part in a Tourist Police Rescue Training Drill at Cha Am beach, where they played the part of tourists in trouble and were 'rescued' by boat and helicopter, before being awarded certificates for their help!

Another highlight for a few chosen volunteers was a recent trip to the Gibbon Release and Research Centre in Maehongson. Here 2 volunteers were chosen to accompany staff to experience life at the remote jungle camp and see for themselves the area which 2 families of gibbons will eventually be released into.

The animals are doing well, and those with medical conditions are making progress, but a few are not happy with the unseasonably cold and wet weather we have been experiencing for the past few weeks!

 
Featured Programs
Downloads / Resources
Quotes

10 Reasons to Volunteer PDF
Learn about the top 10 benefits of volunteering in this comprehensive report

Ripples of Difference eBook
A collection of unique and inspiring short stories by real volunteers

Vietnam"I'd love to see more young people taking action to help the poor and disadvantaged. Two places to get started are Network for Good and Global Volunteer Network."

Bill Gates
Newsweek Web
wango Member of Wango
World association of non-
governmental organizations
un GVN Foundation has
special United Nations
Consultative Status
Global Volunteer Network Reviews on GoOverseas.com GoRecommend