Volunteer Opportunities in Thailand

Which airport do I need to fly to?

You need to fly to the Suvarnabhumi International Airport for your volunteering opportunities in Thailand.

Do you organize airport pick-up services?

Yes, we arrange airport pick-up services for our volunteers. As soon as you arrive at the airport, you will meet with our local representative, who will accompany you to your accommodations. You will need to provide your flight details to your in-country coordinator ahead of time to ensure a timely pick-up.

What happens if I miss my flight or arrive late?

If you miss your flight or arrive late, you have to immediately notify our in-country coordinator, so that he/she can rearrange the airport pick-up schedule. You will be provided the contact information prior to your departure. If you missed or delayed your flight you make arrive to hotel which is written in your placement

Who will come to pick me up? How do I recognize this person at the airport?

Once you have completed all the custom formalities, you have to head towards the airport terminal to meet up with our local representative who will be there waiting for you. Recognizing our local representative is very easy – you just need to look for a person with a white sign that has your name on it.

If my assignment begins on Monday, when should I arrive? If I want to arrive earlier than the starting date of my assignment, where do I stay and who will organize the accommodations? Will it cost me extra?

You should always try to come early for your volunteering project in Ayutthaya Thailand to rest and do some sightseeing before the start of your project. At the very least, you should try to come to Thailand on Sunday if your placement begins on Monday. You might be jetlagged and need some time to relax. Keep in mind you will be responsible for the additional costs such as food and accommodations during this time period. Be sure to let our in-country coordinator know your plans ahead of time.

For Surin you should arrive on designated date, please read your placement details very carefully. Keep in mind the our Surin starts dates are fixed and there is no flexibility

Who will take me to the airport for my departure?

IFRE does not provide airport drop-off services. However, the in-country coordinator and the local staff can help you find a taxi or a bus to take you to the airport. You will be responsible for paying for this, so be sure to budget accordingly.

What do I need to prepare before leaving my home country?

You need to make sure that you have packed all of your official documents, such as passport (least six months valid) and travel insurance. You will need to research your visa requirements and take the necessary actions prior to your departure. You should also bring medicines prescribed by your doctor, as you might not be able to get them in Thailand, as well as getting vaccinated. Things like clothes, shoes, books, laptop, mobile phone, chargers, adapter and first-aid kit are also quite important for you to make sure you bring along. Research the customs and culture of your host country prior to departure.

Where are the projects located?

The specific location of your placement will depend on which Thailand volunteer work project you select, and whether you will be in Surin or Ayutthaya. Surin is a quiet lovely town located in the northwest of Thailand. It is famous for its rich culture, aromatic jasmine rice, beautiful silk and, most importantly, elephants. On the other hand, Ayutthaya is a bustling Thai city where you may find many exotic goods and items. You will also learn a lot about Thai culture and history while volunteering in Ayutthaya.

Is there any minimum and maximum length of stay?

Yes, you can volunteer for a minimum of 1 week. If you are interested in volunteering for a longer time, you can extend it for up to 12 weeks. We accept a maximum 4 weeks for the Elephant project.

Can I extend my stay if I choose to?

Yes, you can extend your stay. According to the immigration laws of Thailand, an extension of stay for the tourist visa exemption stamp is 30 days. Those who wish to extend their stay may file for an application for a 30-day extension at any immigration office in Thailand. The cost of extending your Thai tourist visa is 1,900 THB, which is equal to 58$ USD.

Will I have enough time to travel after work and on weekends during my volunteer work in Thailand?

Yes, you will have enough time to travel after work and on weekends at your IFRE project. Thailand is a beautiful country, popular among travelers from around the world, and you should take advantage of your free time to explore and see what this unique place in the world has to offer.

Who will guide and support me in the project?

Our in-country coordinator will guide and support you throughout the entire duration of your time in Thailand. Feel free to reach out to them for any guidance or assistance that you may need.

Can I change my project in case I do not like the one I have initially chosen?

Yes, you are allowed to change your project if you are unsatisfied with your first choice. However, 99% of our volunteers are completely happy and fulfilled in the projects they are placed in, and this is a rare occurrence. Should you find yourself in this position, you simply need to get in contact with our in-country coordinator and let them know about your issues with the initial project and they will assist you in finding another placement which is available and will suit you.

Can I work in more than one volunteer work in Thailand at a time?

Yes, our volunteers can work for more than one project at a time if they want to. However, you have to understand you will have to work for at least 4 to 5 hours a day at each individual project, so if you add another project to that daily routine, it can become exhausting. An alternate choice is to split your available time between two projects, going to one first and then another.

How old should I be to take part?

Most of the time, volunteers who participate need to be 18 years old or older in regular program but you must be 21 for the Elephant project if you want to volunteer independently. If you are under 18, you will need to provide us with proof of parental consent and, in some cases, we can make an exception. Minors can also volunteer alongside their parents.

Who manages IFRE’s projects?

An experienced in-country coordinator manages all of our volunteer projects and is there to provide you with timely support. He/she will visit you frequently during your time in Thailand to check up on you. You can ask him/her for advice or suggestions and depend fully on the in-country coordinator to ensure the success of your volunteer experience abroad.

Will I receive training before the start of my volunteer placement? Will I receive any training before the start of the volunteer project in Thailand?

Yes, you will receive proper training and guidelines for the successful completion of your Thailand volunteering project. After your arrival in Thailand, our in-country coordinator will give you an orientation, during which you will learn about safety measures and your daily schedule, as well as the customs and culture of Thailand.

Is there a dress code in the project?

No, there is no dress code for our volunteers. However, you will need to wear modest and decent apparel, and we suggest doing some research on what is considered acceptable clothing to wear according to Thai culture before packing for your trip.

Why should I pay to volunteer abroad?

Paying to volunteer abroad might seem a bit strange if you have never done it before, but the organizations you are traveling all this way to help depend on the funds raised by international volunteers like yourself. IFRE is a non-profit organization, so the application fees paid by our volunteers are essential for us to cover the salaries of our staff, advertisement, utility, and rent bills. Your program fees cover your housing, food, and a project donation, and since they are paid directly to your projects and host families, you can feel good knowing your money is going where it is needed most.

Why are IFRE’s fees so much more affordable than other volunteer organizations?

As mentioned earlier, IFRE serves as a non-profit volunteer organization, whose only aim is to provide affordable and meaningful volunteer opportunities in Thailand and other countries around the world. We work with devoted partners and institutions to create affordable and rewarding volunteering projects. Profitability is not something IFRE focuses on while running its programs in Thailand, as we only strive to offer an inspiring volunteer abroad experience. The fees of our projects are just enough to sustain and run the projects without any additional profits, so IFRE can manage to charge less than other similar organizations.

Can I get a tax deduction?

Yes, you can get a tax deduction for any of our volunteer programs, as we are an American non-profit 501©3 volunteer organization that collaborates with many local orphanages, schools, hospitals and NGOs all across the globe.

Can I get help to raise funds?

Yes, IFRE can provide help with fundraising for your volunteer work in Thailand. You can get in touch with our office staff members and ask them for help regarding this issue.

For further readings:
Cost /money matter
Why to pay for volunteer abroad
How to reduce the cost of volunteer abroad
Pay fee directly to host family

Is it safe to travel to Thailand?

You should know that the safety of our volunteers has always been of paramount importance for us, and that Thailand is considered a very safe travel destination. We advise and request all the participating volunteers to find all safety information and necessary details about Thailand in their home countries. Travel opinions and advice always help in making your trip safe and comfortable.

You may check these links for more information about this matter:

British Foreign Office Advice

American State Department Advice

Australian Government Advice

Canadian Government Advice

What safety measures should I take?

The orientation session for your volunteer experience in Thailand will provide all the necessary information about your placement situation and safety details. You should take ordinary precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash on your person, always telling someone where you are going if you are venturing out alone, never walking alone at night, avoiding dangerous areas, etc.

What will happen if I get sick while in Thailand?

Our in-country field staff will help you in every way possible to make you feel better. We will also make sure that you get proper treatment in a hospital or a clinic. When visiting a physician, be sure to bring along your passport and proof of your insurance policy.

Why must I get travel insurance before beginning my volunteer program in Thailand?

It is compulsory for you to purchase travel insurance prior to departing for your trip in order to cover you in the event of illness, injury, or emergency. IFRE can assist you with in obtaining a policy if you need help with this, and we offer reliable, affordable, and comprehensive coverage.

What vaccinations do I need to get?

Vaccinations are always an important aspect for any kind of travel, as you might encounter various health hazards not present in your home country. We advise you to use the health recommendations for traveling of the Center for Disease Control . The main recommended vaccinations by CDC for Thailand are Tetanus and Diphtheria,. Typhoid and Hepatitis A and B. Meet with your doctor to discuss your vaccination needs prior to travel.

What are the principle health risks in Thailand?

Our Thailand volunteers need to be careful about the water they are drinking, as most of the tap water in Thailand is not safe for consumption. You need to be very vigilant and eat only at clean and sanitary places. You should avoid buying or using illegal drugs in Thailand, as the country has very strict rules for drug smugglers and users. Also, you have to stay away from street dogs, as they can have rabies and might infect you if they bite. To avoid other potential dangers, you should always stay aware of your environment and use common sense to stay safe and healthy while traveling abroad.

For further readings:
Vaccination
Volunteer Health and Safety
14 Safety Tips for Your Volunteer Abroad Trip

Do I need a visa?

Yes, you will need to obtain a tourist visa.

How do I apply for a visa?

You can apply for a Thai tourist visa by visiting the Royal Thai Embassy located at your home country. In addition, citizens of some countries can apply for their visas upon arrival at the airport. But this service is limited to only 55 countries, and most of the western and European countries are not included in this list. Do your research ahead of time online to learn what the requirements are for your home country.

Can I extend my visa? Can you help with this?

Can I extend my visa while I am in the country? Can you help me with this?

Yes, you can extend your tourist visa for the continuation of your volunteer work in Thailand after arriving to the country. If you arrived on Thailand through an international airport, you will be stamped a 30 or 60-day permission of stay depending whether your country made a bilateral agreement on visa exemption with Thailand.

If you enter Thailand via land border, you will be stamped a 15-day permission of stay as a tourist in the immigration post, after which you will have to exit the country again on or before the expiration of your permission of stay. However, the tourist visa can also be extended if you wish or need to stay longer in Thailand. You will have to file an application for an extension of stay at the Office of Immigration Bureau located at Soi Suan Plu, off South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 , Tel (662) 287-3101-10. Bear in mind that the success for an extension of stay is solely at the discretion of the immigration officer attending on your application.

How do I contact IFRE’s local coordinator while I am in Thailand?

We provide full contact details of our local coordinator, including their phone numbers and email address, to all of our volunteers, so getting in touch will be as simple as a phone call or email. The local in-country coordinator will be glad to help you if you need any assistance or advice.

How can I communicate with my family from Thailand?

There are various ways to stay in touch with your family and friends back home during your volunteering program in Thailand. The easiest way is via the Internet. You can go online and video chat with your loved ones and let them know you are doing well. You can also call them via phone, but that can be expensive if done frequently. Also, you can send them an email or a message.

Can I use my mobile phone?

Yes, you can use your mobile phone during your time at your volunteer abroad project. However, reach out to your current provider before departure to ensure your phone will work while traveling abroad.

Can I buy a SIM card in Thailand?

Yes, you can buy a local SIM Card in Thailand, and this will make keeping in touch with your family and coordinator much easier and cheaper for you. Again, check with your provider before travel to ensure your phone is unlocked and will function with the foreign SIM.

How can I get/purchase Internet services?

To access the internet while volunteering in Thailand, you can buy a local SIM Card (dtac, AIS and TrueMove) and purchase an Internet data package suitable for your needs.

Are Internet facilities available everywhere?

Yes, Internet services are available everywhere. Even in the areas with no free Wi-Fi, you can easily access the web with a mobile phone that has a local SIM Card.

What do I need to bring with me for my volunteer project in Thailand?

Slip-on shoes, water bottle, bug spray, sunscreen, rain gear (jacket, rain fly, dry sacs), sweater or sweatshirt, warm weather clothes, bathing suit, sturdy daypack, quick dry towel, hiking shoes, passport, visa, first-aid medical kit, toiletries, camera, phone and chargers (for all your electric devices) are among the essential items that you should be sure to bring along with you to Thailand. IFRE provides bedding, but if you feel a sleeping bed will make you more comfortable you are welcome to bring it along.

We hope we have answered all of your questions, and you are feeling prepared to travel abroad and do your part to make the world a better place. Contact IFRE today to learn more about volunteering in Thailand!