Fact: Volunteering is good for us. It can provide vital help for people in need, and it provides numerous benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. However, with busy lives it can be hard to find time to volunteer—or even know where to begin. We’ve compiled a list of reputable organizations around the country to get you started: some are small and local, while others are bigger—but they all provide opportunities to help.

Jungle Aid’s mission is to improve the lives of people living in remote areas in and around Thailand by providing medical aid, education, support, and micro-business opportunities. Many of the communities Jungle Aid supports have extremely limited resources, which may mean that feeding their families, finding clean drinking water, and accessing basic healthcare is a struggle.

Jungle Aid boasts a dedicated team of volunteers who give up their time to help change the lives of displaced people all over Thailand. In addition to their core team, Jungle Aid has a large network of volunteers who assist with a variety of activities, from accompanying team leaders on jungle treks to fundraising in support of education supplies. Whatever skills you can offer, Jungle Aid will put them to good use. 

Express your interest here.

Rescue P.A.W.S. was founded in 2013 to feed the Hua Hin area's growing number of stray animals. It quickly became clear that feeding the animals was aggravating the problem, and something needed to be done to reduce overpopulation and alleviate the suffering of stray dogs and cats. Rescue P.A.W.S. believes that addressing stray animal suffering requires a multi-dimensional approach that includes sterilization, medical care, and adoptions, as well as education programs in the community to ensure long-term, sustainable change.

Although there are many animal volunteer opportunities in Thailand, Rescue P.A.W.S. will provide you with a true hands-on experience. You'll feel accomplished when you leave Rescue P.A.W.S., having experienced the wonderful (and challenging) aspects of stray animal care in Thailand. 

Find out how you can apply here.

Baan San Fan is a family orphanage on Thailand's beautiful Andaman coast, a few hours north of Phuket. On December 26, 2004, an earthquake off the west coast of Sumatra triggered a massive tsunami that devastated several countries, including Thailand. The Phang Nga province was the hardest hit, with thousands of people killed and hundreds of orphans left behind. Baan San Fan was established in October 2005 to house up to 40 children. But strapped funding means that, at present, Baan San Fan can only care for 14 children. Through their onsite organic farm, a network of volunteers from all over the world, and a collection of handmade products, owners Sam and Gai are working hard to generate sustainable revenue and house greater numbers of local orphans in the future.

The orphanage can’t do this on their own, and needs help. If you feel that you can offer assistance, in any way, contact Baan San Fan here. 

The Elephant Refuge is an ethical, natural sanctuary for rescued elephants located about 160 kilometers southwest of Bangkok. For visitors and locals who wish to volunteer with elephants, learn more about the problems they face, and be part of the solution, this volunteer program is highly recommended. 

Accommodation is provided in simple bungalows in the heart of the city. Lunch and dinner is prepared for volunteers. You’ll find your place if you have a positive attitude toward group living and teamwork. Your stay at the centre will be basic, and you’ll be expected to assist with housework duties and the upkeep of the volunteer house. But your reward comes in knowing you’ve made a difference, you’ve helped to reduce suffering for elephants in Thailand, and you were able to experience these gentle giants without supporting exploitative animal tourism.

For more information about this volunteer program, complete this form.