What to expect in Thailand?

Preparation
•  Passport and Visas: Make sure your passport is valid and that you are well-researched on the visa requirements for Thailand.

•  Health: It is advisable that volunteers  be physically fit.  If you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor before you book your flight. It is also recommended that volunteers have the necessary vaccinations done before arriving in Thailand.

•  Insurance: It is strenuously recommended that volunteers take out insurance for their period of volunteering.

WorldNomads.com is one website that can guide you through the procedures.

Getting There
These are the three main airport hubs in Thailand and depending on where you will be posted click the link to find out more information and ask the organization  that you’ll be working with for detailed information about how to get from the airport to your final destination and they’ll be happy to assist you.
1. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
2. Phuket International Airport (HKT)
3. Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)

Find the cheapest flights to Bangkok with Kayak

Health Precautions (prior to leaving to Thailand)
1. Hepatitis A Recommended for all travelers
2. Typhoid for travelers who may eat or drink outside major restaurants and hotels
3. Yellow fever -Required for all travelers greater than one year of age arriving from a yellow-fever-infected area in Africa or the Americas. Not recommended otherwise.
4. Japanese encephalitis- For long-term (>1 month) travelers to rural areas or travelers who may engage in extensive unprotected outdoor activities in rural areas, especially after dusk
5. Hepatitis B -For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months
6. Rabies -For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care
7. Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)- Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
8. Tetanus-diphtheria Revaccination recommended every 10 years

Don’ts
1. Don’t bring foreign food into the village.
2. Don’t wear revealing or immodest clothing. The villagers are not used to seeing people who wear this kind of clothing and do not wish to see them either. When going about your daily routine, please maintain your modesty at all times. For example, when swimming in the local river, please wear shorts and t-shirt rather than a swim suit.
3. Don’t be a bad role model. Loud and unruly behavior is not acceptable. You are potential role models for the children and as such, you are expected to act like responsible, respectable
members of society.
4. Don’t smoke or drink openly. Again, as you are potential role models for the children, please try to be discreet.
5. Don’t point your feet at anybody while you are seated.

Do’s
1. Do feel free to make friends and make close connections with the people in the village. It is part of their culture to be very friendly and hospitable and in general, many people are very inquisitive and will want to know more about you and where you come from.
2. Do bow your head in politeness when you walk between two people who are having a conversation.
3. Do feel free to ask for anything you need at any time. The village is your home as well as your host’s while you are staying with them, although of course, please remember to be respectful of your host’s privacy.
4. Do set the rules for the children as soon as you arrive. Usually, the houses are open for the children to go in and out as they please. The children will want to visit you very often so making a rule that they must knock first before entering your room would be wise!

If you require any special medicine, it would be a good idea to bring that along with you.  You may be in a somewhat remote location so being self sufficient and having everything you need with you is the best course of action.   It’s always better to be safe than sorry.  Plan ahead and make a checklist before you start packing.

Don’t forget to ask lots of questions to the organization that you’re volunteering with as they will be best equipped to give you the most accurate and up to date information.  Good luck and happy volunteering!