Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation and Rural Communities in Thailand

What is the Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities in Thailand project all about?

Volunteer in northern Thailand on an elephant rescue and reforestation project, based in a rural community just outside Thailand’s second largest city, Chiang Mai. This placement works with three different projects. The first is an eco-tourism elephant camp that supports sick and aging elephants as well as unemployed Mahouts (elephant trainers), providing both with better opportunities, homes and food. Second is a reforestation project that works to restore the local jungle and to educate the community to better maintain their resources. Finally, the project works with local schools to provide the rural children with an opportunity to develop English, environmental, and leadership skills.

Why choose this Work with Rescued Elephants, Reforestation & Rural Communities project?

This is poor region has been lucky to have the support of a dynamic local governor who is working to improve the community’s future. The involvement of international volunteers helps educate the residents about boosting their tourist appeal as well as their language and communication skills. Extra man-power is needed for the labour-intensive jobs of: reforestation, camp maintenance and improving the school facilities.

Role of the Conservation Volunteer

Within the elephant camp, help is needed with marketing, developing materials and English teaching. In the community jungle, tree planting and water system construction will be completed. Within the schools, there is a need for people to help with building and water sanitation as well as with the school’s education program – teaching English, environmental and leadership skills.

What skills do I need to be a Conservation Volunteer in Thailand?

No specific skills are required for this project, but any background or training in forestry, environmental sciences, or tourism is a bonus. Experience in teaching can be an advantage and any experience in marketing would also be valuable.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate.

To enter Thailand you must be fully vaccinated and have a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before traveling. Quarantines have been lifted for travelers entering Thailand, but on arrival, you currently have to spend one night in an approved hotel while you take another PCR test and get the results. (This requirement may be removed in early 2022) The cost for this “test and go” package start from about £90/US$120 and include transfer from the airport, accommodation and meals. The test has to be booked separately at an additional cost or about £70/US$95 and are administered at the airport on your arrival. Instead of a tourist arrival visa, the government has implemented a free-of-charge Thailand-pass, which  must be applied for at least 1 week prior to travel and works as an app on your smartphone. 

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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