Volunteering in SE Asia
Trying to figure out a meaningful and inexpensive way to give back to the countries I am visiting.
N Posts: 5
I will be traveling through SE Asia for two months and I would really love to find a way to give back to the countries I am visiting. I will be spending the most time in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Most of the programs I found in my research have a minimum of two weeks and cost anywhere from $800-2,600. This is pretty pricey for someone who is trying to stick to a tight budget.
Does anyone know of some volunteer options that are free? Volunteering is extremely important to me but I just can't afford some of these programs! Please help.... Reply to this
Does anyone know of some volunteer options that are free? Volunteering is extremely important to me but I just can't afford some of these programs! Please help.... Reply to this
B Posts: 24.5K
Hello Elizabeth 
You could try the Dada Childrens home near the Burmese border in Thailand. It costs around 150 Bahts per day to volunteer and I think this includes food and lodging. You can volunteer any skilsl or services you are able and willing to offer. It is a home for many single mothers who are refugees from Burma and this home is pretty much the only reasonable way they can survive.
Dada Childrens Home
Something to beware of, is that the Thai authorities have been know to fine people for not having work permits, even if they are volunteers. You can find details about the work permits on the Thai immigration website.
Mel Reply to this
You could try the Dada Childrens home near the Burmese border in Thailand. It costs around 150 Bahts per day to volunteer and I think this includes food and lodging. You can volunteer any skilsl or services you are able and willing to offer. It is a home for many single mothers who are refugees from Burma and this home is pretty much the only reasonable way they can survive.
Dada Childrens Home
Something to beware of, is that the Thai authorities have been know to fine people for not having work permits, even if they are volunteers. You can find details about the work permits on the Thai immigration website.
Mel Reply to this
B Posts: 21
any idea how much the fines are or just depends on how greedy they want to be Reply to this
B Posts: 24.5K
any idea how much the fines are or just depends on how greedy they want to be
I am not sure how much the fines officially cost, but I wouldnt rule out the possibility that you could be asked to pay a bribe instead. I heard they even fined some of the volunteers who helped clean up after Tsuranami(sp?). And what makes things even more confusing is they have changed some of the visa rules in the last few years.
Anyway, you can see the information about the work permits on this site.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
[Edited: 11:56 - Mell ]
Reply to thisN Posts: 12
Is there Unicef in these countries??? If so I think it should be free to volunteer.....rite? Reply to this
B Posts: 48
Elizabeth,
You have a heart of gold for wanting to volunteer. If you don't find the right opportunities to volunteer, please don't be bothered by it.
I have found that I get great satisfaction by sitting down and letting locals practice ther English with me. SOme peple don't get the opportunity to practise their English and are fasinated with our stories. SOme really appreciate it.
I am presently in Hoi An, Vietnam and befriended a local gal who works in the hotel. She was upset because one of the rude guests here was criticizing her English abilities. We sat and had a great talk and I assured her that her English was very good. She is now calling my wife and I "mother and father". That almost brings a tear to my eye and makes traveling all worth while.
I'm not sure when you will be in Thailand, but we should be returning to Chaing Mai in early December. Drop us a line if you you will be there. Reply to this
You have a heart of gold for wanting to volunteer. If you don't find the right opportunities to volunteer, please don't be bothered by it.
I have found that I get great satisfaction by sitting down and letting locals practice ther English with me. SOme peple don't get the opportunity to practise their English and are fasinated with our stories. SOme really appreciate it.
I am presently in Hoi An, Vietnam and befriended a local gal who works in the hotel. She was upset because one of the rude guests here was criticizing her English abilities. We sat and had a great talk and I assured her that her English was very good. She is now calling my wife and I "mother and father". That almost brings a tear to my eye and makes traveling all worth while.
I'm not sure when you will be in Thailand, but we should be returning to Chaing Mai in early December. Drop us a line if you you will be there. Reply to this
