Volunteer abroad in Thailand, South East Asia, including teaching, care, conservation and sport projects

Volunteering in Thailand

Thailand is a great introduction to South East Asia. It's a beautiful country where there's much to see, including pristine beaches, exotic food and golden temples. Anyone doing overseas voluntary work in Thailand will have the chance to get beneath the country that tourists see, and discover the incredibly friendly people and unique culture that define this beautiful place.

Unlike much of Asia, Thailand has never been colonised by the West. Consequently, Thai culture and deeply felt Buddhism are influential throughout the country; even amid the urban bustle and with the onslaught of tourism. Modern Thailand juxtaposes the influence of the West with its many ancient beliefs, and is a fascinating place to experience while you are volunteering abroad.

Projects are available for anyone interested in volunteering in the developing world; whether you are on a gap year, a summer placement, or a career break.

Volunteer work opportunities in Thailand

Projects Abroad Thailand is based in Krabi, a 1-hour flight south of Bangkok, on the Andaman Sea coast. This area is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs. Most of our Teaching and Care projects are located in and around Krabi town and our volunteers live either with local host families in the area or at one of our shared volunteer houses, just outside the small town of Ao Nang, which is also home to all our Conservation volunteers.

We also have some Teaching and Care projects three hours north in Chumphon, on the East coast of Thailand. In both locations other volunteers and staff will be close by, which creates a great volunteer spirit, as well as a feeling of belonging to the local community. The friendliness of the Thai people is world renowned. Many will want to practice speaking English with you, whether on the bus, at the market or on your walk home from work.

Travel and Tourism Thailand

At weekends or on days off, volunteers often choose to explore attractions in the surrounding region. Boats regularly leave from Krabi to Ko Phi Phi Island, famous location of the film, The Beach. There are numerous local activities, including rock climbing and elephant trekking, and many beautiful beaches on which to relax, party or take part in water sports. Plus, as the conservation volunteers in Thailand quickly discover, the seas around Krabi are superb for snorkelling and diving.

After finishing your voluntary work in Thailand, you can choose to venture further a field. Travel within the country is simple and cheap. Popular trips include trekking in the northern jungles of Chiang Mai or relaxing and diving on the paradise islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao. You could always travel on through South-East Asia, which can be done very cheaply by bus and train. Recently launched low-cost airlines are tempting people to explore even more widely. Remember that however much of Thailand and South-East Asia you see, it's unlikely to be enough!