Volunteering in Bangkok
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Bangkok is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for expats to immerse themselves in the local community of Bangkok. It provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, both locals and fellow expats, while making a positive impact on the city. Whether you're interested in education, environmental conservation, or community development, there are numerous organizations in Bangkok that would greatly appreciate your time and skills.
Foundation for Slum Child Care
The Foundation for Slum Child Care is dedicated to providing education and care to children living in the slums of Bangkok. Volunteers can assist in teaching English, helping with homework, or organizing recreational activities. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: fsccthailand.org
Location(s): Various slum communities in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
Baan Nokkamin Foundation
Baan Nokkamin Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides a home and education for orphaned or underprivileged children. Volunteers can help with teaching English, assisting with daily chores, or organizing extracurricular activities. The foundation prefers volunteers who can commit to at least one month.
Website: baannokkamin.org
Location(s): Nakhon Pathom, just outside Bangkok
Time Commitment: 1 month (or more)
WFFT Wildlife Rescue Centre
The Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) rescues and rehabilitates wildlife. Volunteers can assist with animal care, conservation projects, or education initiatives. WFFT has opportunities for both short-term and long-term volunteers. Most volunteers work for 6 hours per day, 6 days a week.
Website: wfft.org
Location(s): Phetchaburi, a few hours from Bangkok
Time Commitment: 6 hours per day, 6 days a week (short-term and long-term options available)
Mercy Centre
The Mercy Centre provides shelter, education, and support to street children in Bangkok. Volunteers can help with teaching, childcare, or administrative tasks. The centre welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: mercycentre.org
Location(s): Klong Toey slum in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
The Lighthouse Club
The Lighthouse Club is a charity that supports disadvantaged Thai children through education. Volunteers can assist with teaching English, organizing activities, or helping with fundraising events. The club welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: thelighthouseclub.org
Location(s): Various locations in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
PAWS Bangkok
PAWS Bangkok is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of stray animals in Bangkok. Volunteers can assist with feeding and caring for the animals, cleaning the shelter, or helping with adoptions. PAWS welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: pawsbangkok.org
Location(s): Prawet district in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
The Bangkok Community Help Foundation
The Bangkok Community Help Foundation aims to improve the lives of underprivileged communities in Bangkok. Volunteers can assist with teaching, community development projects, or distributing supplies. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: bangkokcommunityhelp.org
Location(s): Various communities in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
The Bangkok Tree Foundation
The Bangkok Tree Foundation is dedicated to creating a greener and healthier Bangkok through planting and conserving trees. Volunteers can assist with tree planting events, maintenance of green spaces, or education initiatives. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: bangkoktreefoundation.org
Location(s): Various locations in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
Second Chance Bangkok
Second Chance Bangkok is a charity that supports women in crisis through vocational training and employment. Volunteers can assist with teaching English, helping with workshops, or assisting in the charity shop. The charity welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: scbangkok.org
Location(s): Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
The Good Shepherd Bangkok
The Good Shepherd Bangkok is a non-profit organization that supports women and children in crisis. Volunteers can assist with teaching, childcare, or administrative tasks. The organization welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments. Most volunteers dedicate at least 2 hours per week.
Website: goodshepherdbangkok.org
Location(s): Din Daeng district in Bangkok
Time Commitment: 2 hours per week (or more)
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Pros & Cons of Living in Bangkok
- Tips for Expats Driving in Bangkok
- Cost of Living in Bangkok
- Health Care in Bangkok
- Discovering the Best of Bangkok
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Thailand
- Best Places to Live in Thailand
- Real Estate in Thailand
- Pros & Cons of Living in Thailand
- How to Rent a Home in Thailand
- Pros and Cons of Living in Thailand 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Thailand