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Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

Location Thailand
Start Date First and third Saturday of Every Month
Duration
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The Project

Volunteer in northern Thailand on a project based in a rural community just outside Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. The project works with three elements of the local community: an elephant camp which is an eco-tourism project supporting sick and old elephants who are not able to work as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers) to provide both with better opportunities, homes and food. A reforestation project works to restore and maintain the local jungle damaged by local practices, and also to work with the community to change their behaviour to make better use of their resources. Finally, the project also works with local schools to provide the children of this rural community with an opportunity to develop English, environmental, and leadership skills.
Why the project needs you

This is a poor region which through the support of a very dynamic local governor has identified a niche in which their community can build a future. The involvement of volunteers allows them to build an understanding of what appeals to the tourists, as well as improving their language and communications skills. Manpower is needed for the labour-intensive jobs of reforestation, camp maintenance and improving the school facilities.

Project Location

The project was set up by a local man who was concerned about the way animals were being treated in the area. Because of this his set up an animal rescue centre and eco-tourism camp. On this project you will stay in the same comfortable eco-tourism lodges that the tourists visiting the camp stay in.

The camp is located around 20 minutes drive away from Chiang Mai. Founded in 1296, Chiang Mai, is constructed as a square with a moat to mark its boundaries and safeguard the people within with a bastion at each corner. Today these landmarks remain to form the overwhelmingly unique character of the city.

Agriculture, mainly fruit, vegetables and some rice cultivation, is the mainstay of the local economy. In the past 10 years, tourism has become an increasingly important economic growth point for the city. Other industries include cottage industry, handicraft production, exporting, small scale business and manufacturing.
Project Facts

• Duration: 1 – 12 weeks
• Cost: £855 ($1496) for 1 week and £265 ($464) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: age 18+
• Location: Outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand
• Project activities: Help with tree planting and ground maintenance, teaching English to Mahouts and at local schools, tend to elephants – preparing food, bathing and cleaning, help to build elephant shelters
• Working hours: Project is open Monday – Sunday, so you can work 7 days if you wish!
• Project Availability: Projects start first and third Saturday every month.
What is included

• Accommodation: Single or shared room in a Thai Hut
• Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
• Airport pick up in Bangkok
• Transfer from Bangkok to the project
• Training: Pre-departure information pack and onsite orientation provided
• Support: 24 hour support
• Excursion Planning: staff will help organise activities and excursions
• Certificate of Mahout Training
What is not included

• Flights
• Insurance
• Visas
• Return journey from project to Bangkok
• Airport transfer 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 single or shared room in a Thai bamboo hut, with western style toilet and hot running water. 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.