Thailand Elephant Project
| Duration | 1 to 12 weeks |
| Hours |
6 days per week |
| Activities | Walking, feeding and bathing the elephants |
| Location | Forest, near small village |
| Accommodation | Shared rooms |
| Requirements | Aged 18+ |
| Donation | From UK£319 / US$638 |
The elephant project gives a safe sanctuary to Thailand's domesticated elephants. These animals would otherwise be roaming the streets of big cities, be kept in bad conditions at working elephant camps or be otherwise exploited in the tourist industry. Volunteers provide hands on assistance to the professional Mahouts (elephant keepers) to ensure these beautiful animals live a life as close as possible to their wild relatives. The elephants spend their nights in the forests that their ancestors populated only 25 years before. Volunteers bath and wash the elephants daily, walk them through the forests to forage, clean their enclosure and learn all about these magnificent animals.
The elephants -
There are currently 5 adult female elephants at the centre although hopefully this number will increase as more and more elephants can be saved.
Many of the elephants originate from Surin and have previously been used as "begging" elephants in various cities or working at elephant camps in tourist resorts.
Nong Bo
Age 28 years old
Recognition Tallest and slimmest of the elephants, has hole in her right ear.
Character Young and high spirited, can move very fast.
When bathing in the lake she is very playful and likes to roll.
Pai Lin
Age 50 years old
Recognition Very pronounced cerebral domes on her head. Has a deformed back as a result of carrying heavy seats for up to six people.
Character Likes to place food on her head like a crown,.
She does not usually like Kjaew Ta.
Kjaew Ta means "glass eye"
Age 45 years old
Recognition Blind in left eye. Small elephant, least hairy and lightest colour.
Character Generally has a good temperament and rocks back and forth
when approached (if she likes you). Likes to rub against trees
and be first in line when walking.
Somboon
Age 26 years old
Recognition Similar to Nong Bo but smaller. Before rescue, she was hit by a car on the city streets, she now limps and stands with her injured leg sticking out.
Character Best friends with Nong Bo, they always hang out together. She responds well to kindness, but is quite cheeky and has a tendency to destroy man made structures.
Nam Phon means "Rainwater"
Age 40 years old
Recognition Hairy tail and head. Two pink spots on her tail and rear, and
pink on the top of her trunk.
Character Very good natured and friendly. Quiet, gentle and sensitive.
Slow when walking and least eager to go deep into the lake.
Most gentle when hand feeding.
The location
The project is located 2 to 3 hours south of Bangkok near a small village. The centre is next to a lake, surrounded by dense forest and near some of Thailand's least visited National Parks. Less than an hour away are the beach resorts of Cha Am and Hua Hin where the volunteers go for shopping, days off and nights out. The local village has fast internet access, shops and bars but has no tourists so is a real insight into the Thai way of life. Volunteers can arrange camping trips into the remote National Parks or go on night safaris to spot Thailand's wild animals.
The accommodation at the centre is in clean but basic bungalows, rooms are single or more often shared. The bungalows have comfortable beds, fans, western style toilets and cold showers. At the front of the centre is a communal area and kitchen. Volunteers have access to free hot drinks, filtered water, bread, jam and other essentials. Two main meals are prepared by the cook, Thai and occasionally western meals also catering to vegetarians. Evenings can be spent watching satellite TV or DVD's, relaxing with a book or socializing with fellow volunteers.
Volunteer schedule
Volunteers work a 6 day week. You will work closely with the Mahouts who always accompany the elephants.
Volunteers staying for one or two weeks are required to arrive at the project on a Sunday. For a duration of three weeks or more, volunteers can start on any day of the week.
A typical day includes:
- Early morning walk to collect the elephants from their night location in the forest.
- Bathing and swimming with the elephants in the lake or river.
- Walking the elephants into the forest to forage.
- Collecting fruits for their big appetites.
- Cleaning their enclosure at the centre.
- Washing the elephants with hose pipes.
- Learning all about these gentle giants.
Extra activities
As part of your wildlife experience, volunteers who commit to two weeks or more at the centre are taken into the National Park on a night safari. The local staff often join on a night time expedition to see the wildlife of Thailand in its natural environment. This is a unique and fantastic experience available free to all Globalteer volunteers, you have a very good chance to see wild Asian elephants that live in the national park as well as the possibility of spotting other animals that only come out after dark.
Days off can be spent at the beach in Cha Am or Hua Hin which are less than an hour away. Cha Am is a quiet resort frequented mostly by Thais whilst Hua Hin is busier and has many western tourists. You can find great shopping opportunities (especially on market days), great nightlife and a variety of restaurants at both resorts.
Sunday night is market night in the local village where you can try a variety of Thai oods from the street stalls or shop for cheap bargains.
The centre is on temple grounds and therefore you can see authentic Thai temples and even a 15 metre long laying Buddha, all close to the centre.
Visit the local village to get an experience that very few foreigners get. The village is just a 5 minute walk from the centre but is not frequented by tourists, so you get a unique insight into true Thai culture unaffected by the huge influx of tourists that the rest of Thailand experiences.
Camping in the National park. Occasionally volunteers get together and hire a taxi into the National park. Overnight camping, treks and visiting the waterfalls in a rarely visited National park is an unforgettable experience that is highly recommended. You can see a variety of animals, birds, insects and amazing vegetation.
Required donation
The required donation to the project is stated in UK £pounds and US $dollars.
Why is a donation required to volunteer?
*1 week will be
£319
$638
*2 weeks will be
£487
$974
*3 weeks will be
£578
$1157
*4 weeks will be
£670
$1340
*5 weeks will be
£762
$1523
*6 weeks will be
£853
$1706
*8 weeks will be
£1073
$2146
*10 weeks will be
£1293
$2585
The donation include:
- Pick up from Bangkok airport / hotel, Cha Am or Thyang.
- Accommodation for the duration of you stay at the project.
- All main meals.
- Full in country support from our project co-ordinator.
- Night safari into the National Park (only for volunteers who commit to two weeks or more at the centre).
- Comprehensive information brochure.
- Assistance and advise for travelling to Thailand.
The donation does not include flights, visas or insurance although we can provide information as required.
A guide to local expenses.
The official currency is the Thai Baht.
Local transport
Tuk-tuk = less than 50 Baht for short trips
Taxi = Tell the driver to use his meter or agree a price before your trip. Half hour fare approximately 150 to 250 Baht
Food
Meal at market = Less than 60 Baht
Meal in restaurant = 200 Baht
More information
Click on the links below for further reading…
Application process & requirements
The minimum age for volunteers is 18 years old. No previous experience or qualifications are necessary but we do require volunteers to be respectful and open minded to the cultural differences they will encounter in Thailand. Volunteers must be reasonably fit as the work can be demanding in the tropical heat. You must be able to speak English. Volunteers must have a similar ideology to the mission of the project, wildlife trainers and those who exploit wildlife for the benefit of people are not suitable for this project.
- Click on the link below to fill out an application form.
- Your application will be reviewed and if accepted you will be notified via E-mail.
- Pay your deposit to secure your place.
- Research your destination, book your flight, inoculations and ask us any questions you may have.
- Full amount is to be paid 60 days before the start of your project.
- A comprehensive information folder will be sent to you with all information including a packing list, Thailand cultural differences, Buddhist Monk etiquette, useful language phrases, project rules, useful phone contacts and full project information.