Phuket, Thailand



Volunteering in Phuket

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
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Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Phuket is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.

Volunteering is a wonderful way for expats living in Phuket, to connect with the local community, make new friends, and contribute positively to society. Not only does it provide a sense of purpose, but it also offers a unique opportunity to learn more about Thai culture and meet like-minded individuals from various backgrounds. There are numerous organizations in Phuket that welcome volunteers, ranging from environmental conservation groups to educational initiatives and community development projects.

Phuket Has Been Good To Us

Phuket Has Been Good To Us focuses on improving the economic opportunities and life chances of young people in Phuket through education. They operate English classes and a Coconut Club for after-school support. Volunteers can assist in teaching, helping with homework, or organizing activities. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically dedicating a few hours per week.

Website: phukethasbeengoodtous.org
Location(s): Kamala and Kalim
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

So Dog Foundation

The So Dog Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of stray dogs and cats in Phuket. Volunteers can help with feeding, cleaning, and socializing the animals, as well as assisting with adoption events. The foundation welcomes volunteers daily, with most committing to a few hours per visit.

Website: sodog.org
Location(s): Mai Khao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per visit

Phuket Marine Biological Center

The Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) is involved in marine conservation and research. Volunteers can participate in activities such as beach clean-ups, coral reef monitoring, and sea turtle conservation. The time commitment varies depending on the specific project but usually involves a few hours per week or month.

Website: dnp.go.th/pmbc/
Location(s): Cape Panwa
Time Commitment: Varies by project, usually a few hours per week or month

Good Shepherd Phuket

Good Shepherd Phuket is a non-profit organization that provides educational and social support to marginalized women and children. Volunteers can assist with teaching English, helping with childcare, or supporting vocational training programs. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers dedicating a few hours per week.

Website: goodshepherdphuket.com
Location(s): Patong
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a retirement home for sick, injured, and old elephants. Volunteers can help with daily care, feeding, and enrichment activities for the elephants. The sanctuary offers both short-term and long-term volunteering opportunities, with time commitments ranging from a single day to several weeks.

Website: phuketelephantsanctuary.org
Location(s): Paklok
Time Commitment: Ranges from a single day to several weeks

Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation

The Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation provides a home and education for children in need. Volunteers can assist with teaching, childcare, and organizing recreational activities. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments, typically involving a few hours per week.

Website: phuketsunshinevillage.org
Location(s): Koh Sirey
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

Green Pearls Phuket

Green Pearls Phuket is an environmental organization focused on waste management and recycling. Volunteers can participate in beach clean-ups, waste sorting, and educational workshops. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers dedicating a few hours per week or month.

Website: greenpearlsphuket.org
Location(s): Various locations in Phuket
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week or month

Baan San Fan Orphanage

Baan San Fan Orphanage provides a loving home for orphaned and abandoned children. Volunteers can help with childcare, teaching, and organizing activities. The orphanage welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments, typically involving a few hours per week.

Website: baansanfan.org
Location(s): Thalang
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

Life Home Project Foundation

The Life Home Project Foundation supports women and children affected by HIV/AIDS. Volunteers can assist with teaching, childcare, and vocational training programs. The foundation welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments, typically involving a few hours per week.

Website: lifehomeproject.org
Location(s): Rawai
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week

Phuket International Women's Club

The Phuket International Women's Club (PIWC) is a social and charitable organization that supports various community projects. Volunteers can participate in fundraising events, educational initiatives, and other charitable activities. The time commitment is flexible, with most volunteers dedicating a few hours per month.

Website: piwc-phuket.com
Location(s): Various locations in Phuket
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per month

Pa Khlok Turtle Sanctuary

The Pa Khlok Turtle Sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of sea turtles. Volunteers can help with feeding, cleaning, and caring for the turtles, as well as assisting with releases. The sanctuary welcomes volunteers daily, with most committing to a few hours per visit.

Website: thailandturtles.org
Location(s): Pa Khlok
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per visit

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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.


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