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Elephant Welfare Project in Eastern Mahout Communities

Volunteer abroad Thailand wildlife elephants

Location Thailand
Start Date The first and third Saturday of the month
Duration
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The Project

Based in Thailand’s Eastern province of Surin, this project works with the communities that have lived and worked with elephants for hundreds of years. Since the country’s ban on logging and prevalence of machinery, work for elephants is limited and with no other opportunities, the people of these communities and their elephants often starve. The government has developed initiatives that aim to encourage communities to use elephants to help attract tourists to the area. This project works alongside these communities to encourage tourism development to be shaped by ethical and responsible eco-tourism approaches.
Why the project needs you

Currently under-represented by Western tourists, the region’s tourism development focuses on entertainment shows, which see the elephants learn tricks and stay tied up for a lot of the day. Through volunteer participation on this project, we work with a selected group of committed mahouts, their families and their elephants to develop eco-tourism approaches that provide the elephants a better standard of life.

Project Location

The camp is situated approximately 50km from the small, city of Surin, which receives very few tourists. The area around the project is inhabited entirely by mahouts and their families. You will have your own room onsite, with an elephant (or two) living in the garden outside your door! Houses have electricity with fans and an outhouse with running water. Beds with mosquito nets are provided and volunteers eat together at the village’s community centre.

This rural area has forested areas in which to go walking and onsite, the elephant museum has a number of stalls selling snacks and gifts. At weekends, volunteers can take a public bus into the small city of Surin for a glimpse of authentic Thai rural life.
Project Facts

• Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
• Cost: £845 ($1479) for 1 week and £235 ($411) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Surin, Thailand
• Project activities: Work with the local community to feed, exercise, and bath the elephants alongside other general maintenance tasks.
• Working hours: Monday-Saturday 09.00-17.00
• Project Availability: Projects start first and third Saturday every month.
What is included

• Accommodation: Single or shared room in a guesthouse
• Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
• Airport pick up in Bangkok
• Transfer to and back from Surin (option to return to Bangkok or Chiang Mai)
• Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursion Planning: Staff will help organise activities and excursions
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Airport transfer in Bangkok at the end of the project

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a volunteer house where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. Three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your in-country orientation by our coordinator in Bangkok, who will take you on a city tour of the cultural highlights. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area. Following this orientation you will be transferred to your project-site where you will receive a project-specific orientation to prepare you for your volunteer work.

Language Classes

At the beginning of your stay the in-country team will provide basic language classes to help you during your time on your placement.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.