
5 ways to make a difference on a Thailand volunteering trip
Thailand isn’t just about beautiful beaches and mouth-watering food: there are some vital community projects and charities at work in this slice of paradise. Here’s how you can get involved…
1. Help reduce the stray dog problem

2. Head to the beach for marine conservation

3. Teach in a village school

4. Get involved with building projects
Construction work is one of the most popular forms of volunteering abroad, and there are plenty of positions available across Thailand for these jobs. Projects building schools, community centres, gardens, or play areas often need extra pairs of hands, so you won’t find it difficult finding something to help out with.
If you have construction experience, opt for the more demanding projects that need skilled workers; it’s important that these positions are filled by those who know what they’re doing. If you’ve no idea how to lay foundations or build walls, look for easier jobs like painting or planting.
5. Offer support for local healthcare initiatives
Even if you’re not a qualified medical professional, there are healthcare volunteer positions available in Thailand. There are some fantastic projects that work with mentally and physically disabled children, where volunteers can lead games or run art therapy courses, or perhaps teach health education in local schools or community centres.
Support for the disabled in Thailand is limited, so these positions are valuable for local communities who would otherwise not have access to this kind of care. These sorts of volunteer jobs require a lot of patience and understanding, but are rewarding in return.
Have you encountered a wonderful Thailand charity, animal welfare group or volunteering experience? Nominate them in the Thailand Green Excellence Awards for your chance to make a difference to eco-friendly tourism in Thailand. And to say thankyou, we’ll enter you into a draw to win a GoPro camera. Hurry: entry closes 14 September 2015. Click here to make your nomination!