Volunteer in Thailand

The Global Volunteer Network has opportunities available to work with wild animals through our partner organization in Thailand. 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.

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 available for a minimum of four weeks
• 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 an alternative programs working with wildlife in Costa Rica and South Africa.

Program Location

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. The reserve includes a lake where there are seven gibbon islands, which allow the gibbons to move about freely, to establish territories and mates, and to live a life as close as possible to a life in the wild. 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, tigers, bears, crocodiles, and exotic birds. The center tries to provide these animals with enclosures as close to nature as possible or, where possible, reintroduction to the wild.

Program Schedule

You can join the program from 4 to 12 weeks initially. After this period you may negotiate with the program director to stay longer. You will be accommodated on the reserve in houses and provided with three meals a day. 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

Program Cost

A US$350 application fee (fully refundable if you decide not to go) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of GVN's volunteer programs over the next 5 years.

Your application fee includes the following benefits:

• Personal Staff Support
• Your Thailand Program Guide
• Your Fundraising Guide and Software
• Access to Your Own Online Journal
• Online Video - Preparing For Your Trip
• Opportunities for Discounts on Airfares

Once your application fee is paid the remainder of the cost for your time in the Thailand program is:

• Cost for 4 weeks - US $847
• Cost for 6 weeks - US $1047
• Cost for 8 weeks - US $1287
• Cost for 10 weeks - US $1507
• Cost for 12 weeks - US $1727

To see the cost in your local currency, we recommend you .

The in-country fee covers administrative charge, placement arrangement, accommodation, the running costs of the Thailand program, food, laundry and supervision. (This fee is paid to us 8 weeks before you leave for Thailand).

The other costs you will need to meet are your flights, transport to placement 2200 Baht (around US $55.00), Visa, shots, travel insurance and corresponding airport departure taxes.

Your program fee includes the following benefits:

• Your In-Country Fee
• In-Country Support
• 24hr Emergency Line
• Membership To The Change Makers Club
• All Safe Travel Alert Service
• Letter Of Completion

Apply for the Thailand Program

Your application process is free and seamless and if you are successful we will provide you with a choice of application fee payment options that include a secure online service. We also are one of the few organizations that offer a full money back guarantee on your application fee if you decide not to go.
Click here to apply for the Thailand program.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together the following page, which answers the majority of questions people have.
Click here

Volunteer Journals

If you would like to read about the experiences of some of our volunteers who are currently in Thailand, you can do so here. This journal service is provided free to all our volunteers.
Click here

Articles

Read an article written about one of our volunteers in Thailand.
Click here

Book Resources

We have a selection of books available that you may find useful if you decide to volunteer in Thailand.
Click here

Application Process

All applicants will be notified by email as to whether their application has been successful.

(1) Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form below. Upon receipt of the form we will assess your suitability for the program within two working days.

(2) Contact You: If you are successful we will then email you a letter of acceptance.

(3) Decision Point: Once you have read through the letter of acceptance and we have answered any questions or concerns that you might have, it is time to pay your US $350 application fee to secure your place on the program. Please note that we will fully refund your application fee if you decide not to go.

(4) Confirmation: Once the application fee is paid, our volunteer partner will contact you to ensure everything is organized. We will also send you the link to our program guide which covers topics such as country information, travel links, visa application process, fundraising ideas and much more!

(5) Communication & Support: Throughout the application process, we are committed to working with you to answer any of your questions or concerns. During your placement we are also available as a form of support to you as a volunteer and will email you while in country to discuss how the program is going.

To apply for this program, click here