Volunteer in Thailand

Most Affordable – PMGY’s volunteer abroad programs are designed to be accessible to everyone passionate about making a difference. With low fees and high-impact projects, you can create meaningful change without breaking the bank.

Best Support – From the moment you join PMGY, our dedicated international and local team provide extensive, round-the-clock support to guide and assist you through every step of your incredible PMGY adventure.

Safety Prioritised – Safety is PMGY’s number one priority! We’ve taken every precaution to ensure our gap year programs are as secure and well-structured as possible, giving you peace of mind while volunteering abroad.

Extraordinary Experiences – PMGY gives you the chance to immerse yourself in incredible cultural and travel experiences fully. Create unforgettable memories while making a difference in communities around the world.

Friendships for Life – Your PMGY journey doesn’t just end with unforgettable experiences—it’s also about forming life-long friendships with fellow volunteers from across the globe. Prepare to meet like-minded individuals and make connections that last a lifetime.

Thailand Elephant Volunteers

As an elephant volunteer in Thailand with PMGY, you’ll enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work behind the scenes, helping to care for these incredible animals. Passionate and enthusiastic volunteers are needed year-round to support the daily upkeep and activities at the sanctuary. This centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants across Thailand, giving them a safe haven. Joining our team on this Thailand volunteer program offers you the amazing chance to make a meaningful impact while caring for these gentle giants.

Background to the Elephant Program

Thailand is home to both wild and domesticated Asian elephant populations. Sadly, the domestic population comprises elephants that have been captured from the wild or bred in captivity, often trained or broken to work in the tourist or logging industries.

Today, the wild elephant population in Thailand faces significant challenges to its survival. It is estimated that approximately 2,200 wild elephants remain, inhabiting open grasslands and dense rainforests across the country. Ironically, domestic elephants, once heavily used in the logging industry, have inadvertently contributed to the destruction of their own natural habitat.

When logging was banned in 1989, many elephants formerly used in the industry were redirected to the tourism sector. Others were taken to cities, forced to beg on busy streets to earn a living. This unnatural and harmful practice exposes elephants to severe health issues and puts them at high risk of road traffic accidents, often resulting in fatalities for both the elephants and their mahouts.

Tragically, there are currently no laws in Thailand to protect these animals from such mistreatment. This highlights the urgent need for action, and that’s where our participants make a difference. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for elephants to retire and receive the respect they deserve. Participants in our Thailand elephant volunteer program support the sanctuary by assisting with various tasks that contribute to the rehabilitation and care of these gentle giants.

By joining us, you can make a real impact while experiencing meaningful volunteer work with elephants in Thailand.

Elephant Volunteer Placement

WFFT – If you’re looking to be a responsible elephant volunteer in Thailand, this is the perfect place to make a difference. This wildlife volunteering abroad project offers you the chance to learn about these majestic creatures, understand the challenges they face, and become part of the solution.

The rescue centre provides a safe haven where rescued elephants can roam in near-natural surroundings. Forested areas and grasslands have been specially created by purchasing large pieces of land to replicate their natural habitat. Spacious enclosures, some covering up to 5 hectares, are designed with natural trees, lakes, and grazing areas that allow elephants to socialise and move freely. Importantly, no elephant is ever chained, day or night.

The centre is committed to giving elephants the freedom they deserve in a secure and natural environment. Lifelong veterinary care, along with the best husbandry and tailored diets, is provided to ensure their well-being. As a participant in the Thailand elephant volunteer program, you’ll gain direct experience caring for these gentle giants. Your responsibilities will include preparing food, crafting enrichment items, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, and harvesting plant matter like banana trees and grass. You might even have the exciting opportunity to walk the elephants between different areas of the land!

During your volunteer work with elephants in Thailand, you’ll be assigned to daily tasks as part of a team. These teams are guided by experienced longer-term participants, known as team leaders, who will help coordinate and support you throughout your placement.

This ethical and rewarding experience offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while volunteering in Thailand with elephants.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As an elephant volunteer in Thailand, you will play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the project. Your responsibilities may include:

• Preparing and distributing food for the animals.
• Creating and providing behavioural enrichments.
• Assisting with environmental enrichments.
• Cleaning enclosures and scrubbing animal pools.
• General maintenance tasks, such as maintaining forest areas around the local environment.

The day begins early at 6:20am at the Volunteer House, which serves as the hub for organising and orientating volunteers. You will typically finish your volunteering with animals around 5pm, with several breaks throughout the day for meals, water, and rest. Volunteers work six days a week, with one designated day off.
As an elephant volunteer in Thailand, you will live on-site at the rescue centre, so no external transport is required. Any project-related transport needs will be covered as part of your Program Fee.

The work can be physically and mentally demanding, but the rewards are deeply fulfilling. Each day, volunteers are assigned to groups, with team leaders guiding and supporting their teams through daily tasks. These team leaders are experienced, longer-term volunteers who help ensure that everyone works effectively and enjoys their time making a difference.

Thailand Wildlife Volunteers

As a volunteer with wildlife in Thailand, you’ll have the unique chance to work behind the scenes, helping to care for a variety of rescued animals. Enthusiastic and passionate individuals are needed year-round to assist with the daily upkeep of the project. The centre is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals across Thailand. By joining the team, you’ll play an active role in providing care and support for these incredible creatures.

Background to the Wildlife Program

Thailand is renowned for its incredible biological diversity. However, growing human pressures such as over-exploitation, habitat loss, and degradation are putting many of its unique species at risk. These threats are driving creatures like young gibbons, macaques, lorises, and bears closer to extinction. Sadly, many of these wild animals are illegally poached for inhumane purposes, including being sold as exotic pets or used as photo props.

Thailand’s thriving tourism industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of many locals. However, this success has often come at the expense of animal welfare, with common practices such as elephant rides, animal performance shows, and photo opportunities exploiting wildlife for entertainment.

The wildlife rescue centre is dedicated to rescuing animals from these harsh conditions. The centre provides a safe haven, offering everything from shelter to rehabilitation and, where possible, releasing animals back into their natural habitat. In addition, the centre works tirelessly to raise awareness about animal welfare among local and international communities. This includes running educational initiatives and organising wildlife volunteering abroad conservation projects.

With an on-site education centre, the project actively promotes the importance of wildlife conservation. Volunteers from around the world play a key role in supporting the centre by assisting with day-to-day tasks and contributing to the rehabilitation and care of rescued animals. This offers an incredible opportunity to make a positive impact while volunteering with wildlife in Thailand.

Wildlife Volunteer Placement

WFFT – The wildlife rescue centre is home to hundreds of animals, providing them with shelter, care, and rehabilitation. The primary goal of the program is to rehabilitate and release animals back into their natural habitats. For those who sadly cannot survive in the wild, the centre offers lifelong sanctuary in a safe and nurturing environment.

As a wildlife volunteer in Thailand, you will work with a remarkable variety of animals. This includes six species of gibbons, five species of macaques, lorises, two species of langurs, two species of bears, small wild cats, civets, reptiles, otters, and numerous bird species. Every animal at the centre has been rescued from challenging conditions. Some were saved from the illegal wildlife trade, while others were rescued from the pet trade, entertainment industry, or tourism sector. Additionally, some animals were brought to the centre after suffering injuries from road traffic accidents, dog attacks, or other human-related incidents.

Where possible, the Thailand volunteer program strives to create environments that mimic the animals’ natural habitats. The ultimate aim is to rehabilitate and release these animals back into the wild. However, for many of the centre’s residents, full rehabilitation is not always feasible due to the severity of their past experiences or injuries.

The centre relies heavily on the support of animal lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Volunteers, donors, and professionals such as veterinarians play a vital role in keeping the program running. Without their contributions, the centre would not be able to operate. Volunteering with wildlife in Thailand can be physically and emotionally demanding, but the experience is immensely rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in the lives of these rescued animals.

Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day

As a wildlife volunteer in Thailand, you will play a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the project. Your responsibilities may include;

• Preparing and distributing food for the animals.
• Creating and providing behavioural enrichments.
• Assisting with environmental enrichments.
• Cleaning enclosures and scrubbing animal pools.
• General maintenance tasks, such as maintaining forest areas around the local environment.

The day begins early at 6:20am at the Volunteer House, which serves as the hub for organising and orientating volunteers. You will typically finish your volunteering with animals around 5pm, with several breaks throughout the day for meals, water, and rest. Volunteers work six days a week, with one designated day off.

As a wildlife volunteer in Thailand, you will live on-site at the wildlife rescue centre, so no external transport is required. Any project-related transport needs will be covered as part of your Program Fee.

The work can be physically and mentally demanding, but the rewards are deeply fulfilling. Each day, volunteers are assigned to groups, with team leaders guiding and supporting their teams through daily tasks. These team leaders are experienced, longer-term volunteers who help ensure that everyone works effectively and enjoys their time making a difference.

Flights

After confirming your place on a PMGY volunteer program, we strongly advise that you book your flights as early as possible. This will help ensure that you get the lowest airfare. You can choose to book your flights independently or we can help you with arranging them.

To join our Thailand volunteer program, you should book your flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok on the Sunday start date. The airport code is BKK. Volunteers in Thailand can arrive between 6am and 2pm on their designated Sunday start date.

Travel Insurance

Importantly, having an appropriate travel insurance policy during your time abroad is essential. Therefore, it is mandatory for all of our international volunteers to be appropriately covered across all of their trip dates. This includes your travel to and from the host country, as well as any onward travel. Although PMGY does everything to ensure your trip is safe, inevitably things can go wrong. Therefore, having a travel insurance policy in place helps you effectively deal with any problems you may encounter during your time away.

We have partnered up with Howden Insurance to create an affordable and comprehensive optional policy. This has been designed with our international volunteers in mind, to cover our participants for all of their travel essentials. The policy is available to anyone across the globe, up to the age of 65 years. The document will cover you for your time on any PMGY destination. You can purchase PMGY Travel Insurance during your online application or you can contact us directly to arrange it.

Our International Team works tirelessly to provide extensive support leading up to your volunteer or gap year trip. From our online chat service to email support and telephone conversations, we’re always ready to assist. All international volunteers with PMGY receive a comprehensive Volunteer Handbook, which serves as your ultimate guide for planning your volunteer trip abroad. This detailed handbook includes everything from visa guidance to suggested packing lists, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your adventure.

We also have dedicated Facebook groups for each of our volunteer destinations. These groups are a fantastic resource where you can connect with our international and local team, as well as past, present, and future volunteers. They provide a valuable platform for sharing experiences, asking questions, and staying updated with community news year after year.

Sometimes, it’s hard to imagine yourself volunteering abroad without having been there yet. To help manage expectations and give you a clear picture of what to expect, we offer a variety of engaging and informative videos on our PMGY YouTube Channel. These clips offer a visual insight into life as a PMGY volunteer. In addition, don’t miss our webinars, which run on selected Tuesdays at 4pm UK time. Our International Team provides invaluable advice in these sessions, tailored to help you prepare for your trip.

Each webinar is designed with a specific focus. Our Pre-Departure Webinar covers all the essentials you need to know before joining us abroad. The Program Preparation Webinar is project-specific, offering detailed advice and insights about your placement. Finally, our Safety Webinar provides top tips for managing your safety and wellbeing while volunteering abroad. For those simply curious about PMGY, we also run an Introductory Webinar. This session introduces our organisation, background, goals, and the volunteer and gap year travel opportunities we offer overseas.

Our Thailand volunteer program is based in Phetchaburi, a rural village, just 3 hours from Bangkok Airport. Known for its ancient temples, royal palaces, and thriving street food scene, Phetchaburi offers a captivating blend of history and local charm for volunteers.

PMGY’s volunteer opportunities in Thailand are delivered by our dedicated and highly experienced in-country local team. Every team member is fully vetted by our International Team, ensuring that your experience is both safe and rewarding. Our local community network provides the structure and support you need to make the most of your time on a volunteer abroad program with PMGY. From arranging your accommodation and meals to coordinating airport pick-up, in-country orientation, and 24/7 emergency support, our team ensures that every detail is covered, leaving you free to focus on making a difference during your volunteer experience in Thailand.

Your orientation for your volunteer program in Thailand will begin on Sunday, following your arrival at the centre. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the coordinators and shown to your room. This is a great opportunity to settle in and start getting to know your fellow participants.

In the afternoon, you will take part in an orientation briefing, where the local team will introduce you to all the theoretical aspects of the program. This will include essential health and safety information and an overview of the volunteer tasks you can expect during your placement.

Following the briefing, you will embark on a tour of the rescue centre, where you will gain insight into why the program exists and how your role at your volunteer project in Thailand will contribute to the animals’ well-being. The tour typically begins around 1pm and lasts between three to four hours. During this time, you will also have the unique opportunity to see the rescued big cats, who are cared for by the local staff.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and connect with fellow volunteers before your work begins.

Please make sure you arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok between 6am-2pm on Sunday.

Day 1 (Sunday) Arrival

Welcome to Thailand! You will be met at your arrival airport in Bangkok by one of our appointed taxi drivers, who will be holding a name sign. The journey to the Wildlife Centre will take around three hours, depending on traffic.

Your orientation for your volunteer project in Thailand will begin on Sunday, following your arrival at the centre. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the coordinators and shown to your room. This is a great opportunity to settle in and start getting to know your fellow participants.

In the afternoon, you will take part in an orientation briefing, where the local team will introduce you to all the theoretical aspects of the program. This will include essential health and safety information and an overview of the volunteer tasks you can expect during your placement.

Following the briefing, you will embark on a tour of the rescue centre, where you will gain insight into why the program exists and how your role as at your volunteer project in Thailand will contribute to the animals’ well-being. The tour typically begins around 1pm and lasts between three to four hours. During this time, you will also have the unique opportunity to see the rescued big cats, who are cared for by the local staff.

The rest of the day is yours to relax, settle in, and connect with fellow volunteers before your work begins.

Days 2-8 (Monday-Sunday) Volunteering Begins

Your volunteer work in Thailand starts on Monday. The working day begins at 6:30am at the Volunteer House, which serves as the central hub for organisation and orientation. Volunteers typically finish work around 5pm, with several breaks throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and rest periods. The program operates six days a week, with one day off. While the work can be physically demanding, the results are incredibly rewarding.

For those who arrived later and missed the Sunday tour, the local team will usually arrange another one on Monday.

If you are volunteering with elephants, the coordinators will assign you to daily groups. These groups are managed by team leaders, who are long-term volunteers responsible for guiding and assisting with the tasks. Everyone works at their own pace, and volunteers are encouraged to respect each other’s abilities. If you feel the workload is too much or too little, the coordinators are always available to adjust your tasks accordingly.

All volunteers in Thailand are also expected to contribute to additional tasks outside of project hours. This includes “house duty” and “doggie duty” to help maintain the Volunteer House. House duty involves keeping common areas tidy, while doggie duty focuses on caring for the rescue dogs living at the centre, including feeding, washing, and walking them.

Day Off (Varies)

Your day off will depend on the workload and the scheduling of volunteers. Whether you prefer a relaxing day by the beach, an adventure-filled excursion, or an immersive cultural experience, Thailand has it all! The local team will be happy to help you plan activities during your free time.

The Following Weeks

Your next week(s) will follow a similar pattern, as you will be volunteering for six days each week. Time will fly, so make the most of your experience! The local team is always available to support you, whether you need help with weekend plans, advice, or just a friendly chat.

Last Day (Saturday)

Saturday is your last day with PMGY. If you are heading home, the local team can help you arrange your return airport transfer. Please note that this is not included in your Program Fee.

For many first-time travellers, heading abroad can feel both exciting and daunting. At PMGY, we take every precaution to make our volunteer projects in Thailand as safe as possible. While no experience can ever be 100% risk-free, our robust safety measures provide peace of mind for both volunteers and their families.

Every program has been personally inspected and approved by a PMGY director. We’ve lived in the Volunteer House, experienced the orientation, and worked on the projects ourselves. Through frequent visits and daily communications, we’ve built strong, trusting relationships with our local team, ensuring that all programs meet our high standards.

In the unlikely event of an issue, volunteers have access to several layers of support:

• PMGY Local Team
• Project Staff
• PMGY International Team

Our programs are continually monitored to evaluate volunteer experiences and ensure high standards. We rely on volunteer feedback to make ongoing improvements to improve volunteer opportunities in Thailand. Safety and security are regularly assessed, and participants are encouraged to raise concerns with our local or International Teams, allowing us to resolve issues promptly and effectively.

Pre-Departure and In-Country Guidance

To ensure you’re fully prepared, PMGY provides comprehensive pre-departure guidance and an in-depth safety briefing during your orientation. Our local team cover all the essentials, including project introductions, emergency procedures, tips for using local transport, and cultural differences. Volunteers also receive a full list of important contact numbers, ensuring you always know who to reach out to.

General Safety Tips

While our local team work hard to ensure your safety, we encourage volunteers to follow these general tips for an even more secure experience:

• Be modest with jewellery worn in public.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
• Stay vigilant in crowds or near beggars; distractions may be used to target you.
• Be discreet when handling money in public.
• Plan your journeys carefully, especially at night, and know your destination in advance.
• Use only reputable transport providers; recommendations will be provided during your orientation.
• Stay in groups at night and avoid walking alone in dark or isolated areas.
• Keep valuables safe, especially when heading out of the accommodation.
• Be cautious of traffic, always looking left and right before crossing roads.
• Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

By following these guidelines and the advice provided by our in-country teams, you’ll be able to enjoy a safe, enriching, and memorable experience at your volunteer project in Thailand.

Like much of South East Asia, Thailand has a tropical climate, meaning it is hot and humid all year round. The best time to visit is typically January and February, when the weather is cooler and dry.

The hottest months are April and May, with temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C. During this time, the heat can feel intense, so staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade is important.

The rainy season runs from May to October, with June, September, and October being the wettest months. However, as with many tropical climates, the rain usually comes in short, sharp bursts rather than continuous downpours. This means that even during the rainy season, you can still expect long periods of dry, sunny weather throughout the day.

Accommodation – Volunteer House

In the Thailand volunteer program, you will stay in one of our Volunteer Houses, all of which are located on the same campus. The accommodation is in the Phetchaburi region of southern Thailand. It is situated on the grounds of the elephant conservation project rather than in a town, providing a unique and immersive experience. However, nearby villages within walking distance have convenience stores for your needs. Additionally, there is a small on-site shop selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs.

During your volunteer program in Thailand, you will live alongside other international participants. Volunteers stay in European-style concrete and brick bungalows. Each room typically accommodates 2-3 people, with single-sex arrangements as standard. Exceptions can be made for couples, friends, or families if requested in advance. Fresh linen is provided weekly during your stay. Bathrooms are communal and feature western-style toilets and showers. Each room is equipped with a fan for added comfort.

Free Wi-Fi is available in certain areas of the Volunteer House, such as communal spaces, allowing you to check emails and social media. However, the connection can be intermittent. Volunteers are encouraged to purchase a local SIM card for use with an unlocked mobile phone. There are two main communal areas within the Volunteer House where participants can relax, socialise, and coordinate their volunteer work each morning. A local laundry service is available, or there is limited space for hand-washing clothes.

Volunteers are advised to bring a small padlock for personal security. Valuables can also be stored with the local team, but participants are encouraged to bring only essential items during their volunteer work in Thailand. Refrigerator space is available for storing items that need to stay chilled. Power cuts are fairly common in Thailand but usually last no more than a couple of hours.

The Volunteer Houses are located on the same grounds as our local coordinators. Although the coordinators do not live in the houses, they are always accessible if needed. Since the accommodation is on the same property as the project, some placements are within walking distance. For those further away, the local team will provide transportation to and from the project each day. This service is included in your Program Fee.

Meals

During your volunteer trip to Thailand, all meals will be provided and prepared by the local team. Meals predominantly feature traditional Thai cuisine in buffet format, and options are clearly labelled for meat, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Some western-style meals are offered weekly to add variety. Filtered water is available free of charge at the accommodation.

* Our team will do their best to cater for dietary requirements, but this cannot always be guaranteed. Volunteers may need to purchase additional ingredients at their own expense. Please note any dietary requirements in your application and re-iterate them to the local team on arrival. For major concerns, contact the PMGY International Team before confirming your place on the program.

If you have severe allergies, ensure this is communicated both before your arrival and upon arrival in Thailand. Thai cuisine often includes sauces containing fish, shellfish, and nuts, which may not be immediately obvious. We recommend confirming with the person preparing your food and carrying an EpiPen at all times in case of severe allergies.

Here is an example of the meals you can expect:

Breakfast – Bread, Jam, Fruit, Tea

Lunch – Chicken, Rice, Vegetables

Dinner – Noodles, Pork, Soup

On the Thailand volunteer program, the cost of your project transport is included in your Program Fee. During your animal conservation volunteering abroad, you will be based at the sanctuary, placing you in close proximity to the volunteer projects. Transportation to and from your project each day will be provided by jeep.

PMGY welcomes volunteers of all nationalities and backgrounds. The minimum age to join the program is 18, and there is no upper age limit. All volunteers need to have a good level of English, although it does not need to be your first language. You do not need to speak the local language; however, learning a few words during your time with us will go a long way and greatly enrich your experience!

All participants must provide a clean criminal background check before volunteering abroad with us. No formal experience or qualifications are required—just lots of energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to prepare!

To confirm your place on a PMGY program, you need to pay a Registration Fee. The remaining Program Fee is due no less than 60 days before your program start date.

For more information on how to join one of our volunteer opportunities abroad, please visit our Application Process.