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Volunteering in Thailand with Elephants (Surin)!
Have you always wanted to work up close and personal with elephants? Would you love to work for the greater good of elephants? Have you always wanted to travel to Thailand and have life changing experiences? Then this Thailand Elephant Experience volunteer program is perfect for you.
Thailand is a phenomenal country to volunteer in and to travel through. No matter what your interests are, there is something for you here, from ancient ruins and temples to spectacular scenery and wildlife.
Sadly, elephants in Thailand often face a difficult life. Extensive deforestation and poaching has greatly reduced their numbers, and many captive elephants languish in cruel conditions, exploited for labor or tourism.
In the past few decades, sanctuaries for these abused animals have started appearing. As they mainly rely on the goodwill of tourists for donations, they are in desperate need of foreign volunteers to help provide a better life for these amazing animals and raise awareness of the suffering of elephants all over Thailand.
This is where you come in. By Volunteering in elephant program in Thailand, you will get to explore an amazing country and culture while dedicating your passion to securing a happier existence for elephants.
If you’re interested in interacting closely with elephants in an ethical way, providing a huge benefit for them while on the adventure of a lifetime, contact Global Crossroad today for more information!
Volunteer Responsibilities & Impacts
Your responsibilities as a volunteer in Thailand in the elephant program will be varied. You will be involved in feeding, bathing and playing with the elephants, help with gardening and cultivation of food for the elephants, and keep track of the elephants’ nutrition. In addition, you will get to help raise awareness with locals and tourists about elephant welfare, assist in administrative work and help with conservation efforts.
Through this work, not only will you improve the lives of the elephants you work with, you will also raise awareness of their suffering and help work towards the end of exploitation of these kind and amazing creatures.
Skills and Qualifications
All you need to volunteer in the elephant project in Thailand is a deep love and passion for animals, as well as a desire to dedicate your time and efforts to bettering the lives of Elephants. You should be an adventurous person who’s willing to go outside their comfort zone and enjoy having new cultural experiences.
Volunteering in Thailand with Elephants: Itinerary
Day 1 – ARRIVE IN BANGKOK
One of the first things you may notice will be the delicious smell of Thai food coming from the many street food stalls scattered along the road. Khao San road is a great first stop for any Thailand tour as you will get to experience the sights and smells that Thailand is best known for.
When you fly into Bangkok airport on day one, your friendly guide will be there to meet you. You will then take a short drive (depending on traffic of course) to your guesthouse on the famous Khao San road.
Day 2 – BANGKOK TOUR
One of the highlights of your Thailand elephant volunteer trip will be the guided tour of some of Bangkok’s best sights. Our Bangkok tour takes you on a journey through some of the city’s best attractions where you’ll get to see the reclining Buddha, the Temple of Dawn, the Grand Palace, take a ride on a long boat and much more.
Day 3- TRANSFER TO SURIN, WELCOME MEETING AND ORIENTATION
You will take a rustic train ride to Surin through Thailand’s largest national park, Khao Yai. In the western world we are used to modern trains but in Thailand the trains are much more rustic and fun! The train itself is an experience, with old style carriages that have their own special kind of unique character.
Once arrive in Surin you will be taken to your shared accommodation in our volunteer house. You and your group will stay together and share clean but basic rooms.
Day 4 to 7 – WORKING AT THE ELEPHANT VILLAGE
Finally it’s time to volunteer with the elephants in Thailand! During these days you will assist with ever aspect of the elephants well-being and much more.
Day 8 to 10 – FREE DAYS OR ONWARD TRAVEL
If you’re only with us for a week, this is where we say our farewells and you travel onwards.
If you’re on a longer tour, this will be the first weekend where you can spen your time exploring Surin or go on a longer tour somewhere else in Eastern Thailand or even neighboring Cambodia! You then return to work on day 11 for another four days of volunteering.
Volunteering in Thailand with Elephants: Dates and Fees
Surin Start Dates
Click here to find the start date of surin and sangkalaburi
Fees:
Global Crossroad is committed to offering quality volunteering in Thailand programs at the world’s most affordable price. We strive to keep our costs low. The humanitarian side of the business is our passion.
Global Crossroad's volunteer program in Thailand application and registration fee cost US $299. The application fee covers the cost of advertising, program promotion, and office expenses (rent, utilities, and staff salaries in USA office).
In addition to the application fee, you are required to pay a weekly program fee . You will pay your weekly fee directly to the country coordinator, who in turn will allocate it to your host family, project and other in-country support we offer to our volunteers. This way, the fees that you pay will benefit those who rightfully deserve them, and not for company profit.
The program fee needs to be paid in GBP to directly to the country coordinator before the project start date.
| Duration | Elephant Conservation (Surin)- Includes one day Bangkok Guided Tour (in Pounds (GBP)) |
|---|---|
| 1 Week | £501 |
| 2 Weeks | £616 |
| 3 Weeks | £731 |
| 4 Weeks | £846 |
Mandatory comprehensive travel insurance $3.49 a day »
How your fee is allocated?
Program fees cover:
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Food (3 local food day)
- Two night guest house accommodation in Bangkok
- One day Guided Bangkok Tour
- Train transfer to Surin
- Accommodation in Surin shared house
- Full orientation of project and surrounding areas
- Daily transfers to and from project location
- Full ongoing support
- 24 hour emergency support
- Personalized project
- Pre-departure information
- Certificate of completion
- Fundraising ideas and letters
- Discount for returning volunteers
Program fees exclude:
- Visas
- Airfare
- Personal expenses on soft drinks and foods
- Daily transportation
- Airport return transfer
The Thailand volunteer experience program fees will cover expenses that will begin on the first day of the program (usually the first or third Monday of the month) to the last day of the program. If you arrive before the first day of the program or you decide you stay beyond your program’s last day
Accommodation and Meal
We arrange your accommodation in a safe, secure and comfortable volunteer house. There you will share a room with volunteers and have access to clean and modern bathroom facilities. You will also get three meals a day while working in the elephant project in Surin.
Free Time and Weekend Exploration
While working in the Elephant Experience, you will also have plenty of free time. During the week you can spend your evenings exploring Surin, and you have three full days on the weekends to go on longer trips across Thailand or Cambodia.
Learn about your free time and weekend exploration while in Thailand.
Safety and In Country Support
Global Crossroad takes the safety of its volunteers seriously. We provide safe and secure accommodations and regularly vet and inspect all facilities related to the project to ensure your safety. Our dedicated in-country coordinator will be available to you to provide any assistance you require.
Volunteering in Thailand with Elephants: FAQs
We will have a strict NO RIDING policy at our elephant village. More information and history about elephant riding, and the tradition of the domestic elephant in Thailand will be provided when you arrive in Surin.
Where do the volunteers live while working for elephant project? How about transportation?
Shortly after arriving Thailand, you will stay first in Bangkok. During this time, you will get an orientation and explore nearby places. Then you head towards Surin, where you will live in our volunteer house. The volunteer house is about a 30-minute drive from your workplace. You can commute by public bus or Tuk Tuk.
Is there any type of support available for the volunteers?
Yes, you will be assisted and guided by our project staff from your arrival to your departure date. Our coordinator and project staff will always be there for you in case of any emergencies. Additionally, you will be assisted by the mahouts while working at the project.
What should I wear at the Thailand elephant volunteering project?
You will spend a lot of time outside so make sure you are protected from the sun. We suggest long shorts or light trousers, t shirts or light shirts/tops, and a hat. Please bring suitable footwear such as walking boots or trainers. Flip flops or any open toe footwear isn’t appropriate.
How much time will I spend with the elephants?
All of the elephants live on the land at the back of the house so you ‘ll have plenty of time outside of the set activity time to go and see them and feed them. They have a huge appetite so they will always be happy to see you going over to feed them.
Can I ride the elephants?
We will have a strict NO RIDING policy at our elephant village. More information and history about elephant riding, and the tradition of the domestic elephant in Thailand will be provided when you arrive in Surin.
Why Volunteer in Thailand with Elephants?
When you take advantage of the Elephant experience opportunities in Thailand programs, you will get to enjoy a satisfying hands-on experience that is unique in nature benefitting both volunteers and the animal species.
You instantly see the results of your labor.
While you work for the elephant project, you can see a change in their personality almost instantly. After spending time with the animals, whether it’s taking them for a walk, bathing them or feeding them their personalities come out and they start to shine. You can almost see the change in their behavior instantly, which is satisfying and entirely rewarding.
Make new friends and contacts
One of the best ways to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships is to commit to a shared activity together. Volunteering in Thailand Elephant Conservation Program is a great way to meet new people, strengthen your ties to the community and broaden your support network. It exposes you to people with common interests in a fun-filled way.
Personal Growth and Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone
When you travel and work as a volunteer at the other side of the world, it allows you to challenge yourself. Traveling to Thailand for this elephant project expands your mindset regarding the challenges faced by the elephants in Thailand. You get to learn different methods regarding day to day handling of the elephants and this might create enthusiasm in you to develop your interest in the field of elephant conservation.
Other Volunteering Opportunities in Thailand
If you’re interested in volunteering with something other than elephants in Thailand, Global Crossroad has you covered. You can
teach English,
work in a childcare center,
help renovate schools,
work in the medical field and much more.
Other Elephant Volunteering Opportunities Worldwide
Elephants are sadly endangered everywhere that they exist, and Global Crossroad arranges elephant conservation programs in many of these countries. For our most popular elephant projects, see the list below: