Whether it’s the taxi driver in Morocco who tips you off on a local restaurant or the hotel owner in Russia who takes you home to meet his family, these interactions are what you will remember from your trip. Travel is all about the people you meet.  

For a guaranteed chance to connect with the local community, volunteering offers a genuine hands-on connection. It opens the door to experiences you cannot pay for. Thailand has volunteering opportunities geared toward travellers and its reputation as the “land of smiles” makes for a rewarding trip, whether you are working with elephants or local school children.  

And, of course, there is still time for sightseeing. Volunteers have days off, perfect for day trips in the country. Not only will you work with locals, you will also meet like-minded, socially motivated travellers. All the good you do volunteering may well justify the full moon parties and hedonism you enjoy later.  

WASH AN ELEPHANT

Have you always wanted to work with animals? Make like a mahout for a day or even a few weeks on a volunteer program near Chiang Mai, run by a volunteer organisation called Friends for Asia. Volunteering includes cleaning the elephant shelter and washing the elephant in the river – an experience that has left a lasting impression on many a former guest. In the morning, the elephant’s spout drenches volunteers and playtime continues as they scrub down the elephant’s skin.  

It’s a water fight to remember, taking on a four tonne super soaking behemoth. Helpers may have the distinct pleasure of interacting with baby elephants and witnessing the maternal interactions between mother and calves too. One of the closest maternal bonds in the animal kingdom, female elephants spend their lives with their mothers.

CONSERVE THE MARINE

In Phuket, volunteers can observe the marine life of Thailand as well as conserve it. From turtles to sharks plus coral and mangroves, Thailand’s marine environment is threatened. The volunteer work takes place at an untouched beach in Phuket with Openmind Projects.  

It places emphasis on engagement with locals and conservation issues. Much of the assistance centres on maintaining the health of the mangrove and coral reef environments. This means that as a volunteer you will be diving to locations that require monitoring off the Andaman coast. There’s also the chance to teach English to other staff and school children or write material to build awareness. 

RESCUE ANIMALS IN NEED

In a sad twist, it turns out that tourism is in part responsible for the volunteer program that operates at Wildlife Friends of Thailand. The animals that are rescued have more often than not been held captive for the tourism industry. There are macaques, gibbons, civets, loris, tigers, bears, crocodiles and exotic birds here. Volunteers can expect to prepare food for the residents as well as clean the animal enclosures.  

The animals need stimulation, so volunteers can also be involved in dispensing enrichment treats. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to lead tours for visiting tourists. The duties are flexible and rely on the time of year and number of animals. The centre’s emphasis on releasing the animals into the wild makes for a richly rewarding volunteer experience.  

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

Substantial regions of Thailand were devastated by the 2004 tsunami and the communities in these unfortunate areas are those that the local Andaman Discoveries tour company works with. In Phang-Nga province, residents of the Andaman coast relied on fishing to survive. The tsunami triggered a re-think on the longevity of their traditional way of life and community-based tourism emerged as a way forward for the locals. Volunteers reside at homestays, which operate on rotation so as to not put too much pressure on individual families.  

Andaman Discoveries also undertook a study with villagers to ensure that the volunteer program was meeting their needs. Volunteer activities include sea grass monitoring, mangrove conservation and working at a school for Burmese migrant children. The villagers benefit from close collaboration with the tour organisers and gain an extra source of income from the homestay guests that allows them to maintain their traditional lifestyle. 

TEACH HILL TRIBE CHILDREN

Hill tribes in northern Thailand have a culture and tradition distinct from other regions and they have faced challenges regarding land ownership, poverty and opium addiction. Sadly, their traditional way of life has come under fire from these challenges.

The Mae Kok Foundation focuses on hill tribe children, approximately 24 of whom are housed at the property and trained in practical activities such as agriculture and building. They also learn English, with volunteers leading lessons and classroom activities. Volunteers will live in basic accommodation and will also help with cooking and preparing food. This is a grassroots program which will serve the needs of the children for the long-term.