Volunteer in Bangkok: yindiit`nrab!

About Volunteering in Bangkok

As the capital of Thailand, Bangkok is the country's social, political, and economic center. Its strategic location also makes it a hub for trade, commerce, culture, the arts, education, and healthcare in the Indochina area. Because of the city's booming economy, many people from around Thailand come to Bangkok looking for employment opportunities. However, in recent years, this migration has unfortunately led to a serious overcrowding problem in Bangkok.

Overcrowding has highlighted some of the major problems in Bangkok including insufficient resources, pollution, and poor living conditions. Furthermore, in 2011, Bangkok was severely hit by the Thailand floods. In order to combat these issues, the city of Bangkok has invested in stricter laws, and public transportation. Volunteers in Bangkok can help with many of the issues that the city faces today, helping restore to it the value of its Thai name: Krung Thep - the city of angels.

Bangkok Fast Facts

• Cost of Living: 4,000-8,000 baht, depending on location (1 Thai baht = 0.0315 US dollars)
• Visa: Non Immigrant Visa B or Non Immigrant Visa O, depending on your type of volunteer work
• Popular Destinations: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Chao Phraya, Khao San Road, Soi Cowboy
• Fun Fact: Every April, Bangkok hosts the world's largest street water fight during Songkran Festival

Types of Volunteer Programs

Teaching: One of the most common volunteer placements in Bangkok is teaching English. There are many different options for teaching English, including day care centers, primary schools, health care centers, local universities, and schools for monks. English is already taught in most schools in Bangkok, and having a volunteer to help with pronunciation, leading conversations, fun activities, and overall understanding of the language is highly appreciated. Most of your students will be enthusiastic because learning English will advance their educational and career opportunities, leading to lower crime and dropout rates.

Wildlife Conservation: Although Bangkok is known for its urbanization, there are some parts of the city that are protected by the Department of National Forestry or designated as green zones. This battle between urbanization and nature has led to many issues such as the exploitation of natural resources and wildlife. Much of Thailand's wildlife has unfortunately been poached for skins or meat, domesticated as pets, lost their habitats, or illegally traded on the black market. Wildlife conservation volunteers in Bangkok can expect to work on educational programs encouraging sustainable practices, and rehabilitation and rescue for animals such as gibbons, macaques, and the most important animal in Thai culture - the elephant.

Healthcare: Bangkok is a great place to practice in the medical field, as well as learn new local health techniques. Healthcare in Thailand is viewed from a holistic approach with treatments for the mind, body, and soul. Depending on the experience you would like to gain and the contributions you would like to make, you may choose from a variety of healthcare volunteer projects in Bangkok. Opportunities include working at clinics, hospitals, physical therapy centers, meditation centers, rehabilitation centers, and mental health clinics. Many of the residents of Bangkok do not have access to adequate healthcare due to the city's large population. With the assistance of volunteers in Bangkok, healthcare can become more accessible for these residents.

Why Volunteer in Bangkok?

Bangkok is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations for many reasons. However, many of the tourists who visit Bangkok leave without seeing the real Bangkok and making a difference in the lives of the many residents of Bangkok. Volunteering in Bangkok is a great way to experience a wonderful city and leave your impact.

Do you think there is something missing in our guide to volunteering in Bangkok? Contact us and let us know! We want to make sure our information is relevant and up to date.