Overview
Experience the energy and buzzing activity of Bangkok as you arrive in Thailand. Here the groups will be able to take in the sites and cuisine of the bustling capital city.
After that, there will be the opportunity to further explore Thailand and learn about its culture. The group will visit Khao Sok National Park, where time might be spent hiking or kayaking. Or there may be the option to travel to Phuket and take a traditional longtail boat to James Bond island, and stop off at Ao Phang Nga National Park. The group could also spend the day on a temple tour taking in the scenic views from Bang Reang Temple or marvelling at the massive gilded reclining Buddha surrounded by macaque monkeys at Wat Suwan Kuha.
For the service component, groups will focus on activities such as cleaning small turtles and working on the maintenance of their tanks and enclosures, as well as promoting environmental education, working to prevent plastic pollution, and increasing the population of coastal mangroves. The experience will offer insight into conservation issues facing the region and the measures the GVI team and their partners are taking in response, as well as contributing towards the UN SDG’s.
During your time on the program in Thailand, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about Thai culture, helping you kickstart your journey toward becoming a global citizen.
*This overview is an example of the activities and project work that students might get involved in on this program. More specific details of the program are finalised several months before each start date and can be discussed further with your Group Enrollment Manager. The overview shown here has been followed by our staff and group volunteers in the past.
Program Details
Program Type:
Schools
, University
Covid-19 Response
Health and Hygiene
For over 20 years, GVI has prioritised the health and safety of our staff, participants, partners and local community members. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, GVI has created the GVI health and hygiene team to put in place new standards of cleanliness, norms and behaviours that meet or exceed international recommendations to ensure the ongoing safety of GVI’s participants, staff and communities around the world. Internationally recommended practices, such as advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the governments Australia, UK and US, continue to be monitored and the standards are likely to change if and when international advice changes.
The work GVI is contributing to across the globe remains important and the following measures allow our participants to continue to join GVI’s programs and continue impacting positively on their world and the communities we work with. The following changes to our existing protocols have been made by the GVI health and hygiene team to strengthen our health and hygiene protocols and ensure that international standard safeguards are in place to protect our participants, staff and host communities.
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Live Updates
Follow GVI Phang-Nga's Facebook page for live updates straight from the field. Get an idea of the types of projects you might be involved in, meet our staff and participants, experience life on this GVI base, hear about free time activities, and learn about the local culture and environment.
Your Impact
All of our programs have short-, mid- and long-term objectives that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This enables us to report on our collaborative impact across the world in a streamlined manner, measuring which UN SDGs we are making a substantial contribution to. Furthermore, this will help our local partners and communities measure and visualise their contribution to the UN SDGs.
Prior to your arrival on base, you will be educated about the UN SDGs. Then once you arrive on base, you’ll learn about the specific goals we have in this particular location, our various objectives, and also clarification of how your personal, shorter-term involvement contributes to these.
Our aim is to educate you on local and global issues, so that you continue to be an active global citizen after your program, helping to fulfil our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.
Environmental work
Tourism is growing at an incredible rate in Southern Thailand, often with little consideration for the effects on the environment. We work with the community to increase awareness of the importance of preserving their natural resources. The environmental issues that Thailand faces are many and varied. These include poor quality water, air and soil, as well as biodiversity loss. In addition, poaching, kidnapping of wild animals, deforestation, and unsustainable tourism threaten Thailand’s land and marine habitats and wildlife. Fortunately, the Thai government is constantly updating and improving environmental legislation and practices. In line with this, we assist local and international non-governmental organisations and community groups by working towards contributory conservation outcomes.
Sea turtle conservation project
A large part of the environmental project work involves working alongside our partners at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Centre, which usually takes place two days a week. This is a head-start centre. Turtle hatchlings are reared until they are between six and nine months old before being released back into the wild. Green turtles are the most common, with hawksbill, olive ridley, and leatherbacks also found in this region. Turtle populations the world over are threatened, and it is estimated that only about 1 in 1000 hatchlings survive to reach adulthood naturally. These statistics are exacerbated by beach erosion, resulting from tourism development. Head-start programs aim to increase the survival rate by protecting the hatchlings until they reach a size where they will face a reduced risk of predation. The work you will carry out includes scrubbing the tanks to ensure that the turtles have a clean environment to live in, washing the turtles with an antibacterial solution to reduce levels of infection, and applying antifungal and antibacterial treatments to any wounds the turtles may have. We also conduct research at the centre –collecting data on turtle morphology (weight and measurements) and infection rates, as well as some behavioural research to monitor the effects of enclosure enrichment. We hope to use this data to gain further understanding of the best methods of turtle husbandry. This project runs all year round and if you are lucky enough to be on the project during a release date, you will assist in releasing hundreds of young turtles into the ocean.
Island conservation project
We conduct year-round biodiversity research on nearby islands such as Kho Kho Kao. We conduct surveys and run camera trapping research on the islands to build a picture of the biodiversity there. Travelling to these islands is an amazing experience. You will learn to set up and position the camera traps, interpret photographs, and enter them into the database. The islands are remote so there is no Wi-Fi, dry toilets are used, and we sleep in hammocks. The aim of this research is to provide motivation for the islands to gain formal government protection. We have already confirmed the presence of some critically endangered species on the islands, which proves they are of great conservation value. Through our continued and expanding research, we hope that we can further educate local authorities about the ecology of the islands and their importance of conserving these ecosystems.
*Please note that we only travel to the islands once a month, so participants who only visit for two weeks might not get the opportunity to conduct island surveys.
Bird conservation project
Another element to our conservation work involves carrying out bird surveys twice a week – which usually start at around 06:00. The surveys are conducted in and around the local area throughout the year. Commonly identified species include the Pacific swallow, Asian palm swift and the red-wattled lapwing. Birds are an important part of healthy ecosystems and as such, building species lists and monitoring populations and patterns of migration is a valuable way to build a picture of how well nature is doing in an area. Participants are provided with training on how to identify birds in the field. Currently our data is submitted to a citizen science project called eBird. We are also in the process of developing this project to create our own research plan.
Plastic pollution cleanups
Plastic pollution and litter is a huge issue in Thailand, particularly on the coast. Throughout the year we carry out beach, mangrove, lake, and village cleanups in our local area in Phang Nga. Litter is one of the greatest environmental challenges conservationists are facing today. Through regular cleanups we hope to make a difference by not only removing litter, but also by engaging with and participating alongside the local community members –raising awareness of the effects of waste on the environment and the need for effective waste management. In addition to working with members of the local community, we have joined forces with a partner called Trash Hero to maximise the impact of our cleanups. Trash Hero is a volunteer-led movement that drives change within communities around the world, motivating and supporting them to clean and prevent plastic waste. We often use the waste that we collect to create ecobricks.
Coral research
During the dry season (November to April) we carry out a weekly snorkelling survey on nearby coral reefs, such as the reef off the coast of Kho Kho Kao. We monitor the health of the coral, and also look at the variety and abundance of fish species present. Coral reefs are incredibly important ecosystems which are vital to the health of our oceans, which in turn means that they are vital to humans too. Globally, coral reefs are being affected by overfishing, climate change and irresponsible tourism. We aim to monitor the reefs close to where we are based – looking at how well they are doing and establishing if there are any actions that could be taken to improve or protect them further. Through these surveys, we are also able to assess the recovery of the marine ecosystem in the area following the 2004 tsunami. We work in partnership with Green Fins Thailand. The data we provide to them is entered into the citizen science databases, iNaturalist and eOceans, which contribute to research and monitoring of the world’s coral reefs.
*Please note that you will not be doing any scuba-diving while conducting these surveys, only snorkelling.
Mangrove conservation project
We work with the Department for Marine Coastal Resources (DMCR). We assist with planting and cleanups, and identify and monitor the different species. Mangroves are essential to coastal conservation, and they absorb more CO2 than the Amazon rainforest. We work across six different mangrove sites – planting and then monitoring them to see which species currently grow in which site and which other species start to appear. Research has shown that managing suitability by having the right species in the right areas is crucial for their long-term viability. In addition, we take boats or kayaks out into the mangrove forests to collect trash and clean up the environment – which usually includes sightings of many interesting species of crab.
Beach profiling project
We measure the beach at different points along the coast and create graphs and data sets that can be shared with the DMCR. Using this data they can see what is happening to the beachline over time due to climate change and development. This is critical to understand the shifting animal and plant life along the coast as the beach recedes. We have found that some beaches have lost the forests that used to run alongside them, while others have shown signs of new wildlife springing up.
Butterfly conservation project
There are a number of different locations (including the mangroves) where we catch and identify the butterfly species that are present. Some of the species we have identified include the grass blue, cerulean and gram blue butterfly. This data is entered into iNaturalist, which is another citizen science app. The newly planted mangroves are famous for attracting many types of beautiful butterflies. Butterflies are an indicator species that can tell us the overall condition of the area and habitat.
Our Partners In Phang Nga
Project Objectives
GVI Phang Nga Long-term Objectives:
1. Contribute to global species databases that assists with research and monitoring.
2. Increase our in-country capacity building by providing conservation and education training to upskill staff.
3. Assist and develop local conservation efforts by providing practical support to project partners through research, awareness campaigns and habitat restoration.
Cultural Immersion
Engaging intimately with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in the modern marketplace. Local and cultural immersion is encouraged on all our programs around the world, and will also be one of the most enjoyable aspects of your experience. Luckily, there are many different activities that you can get involved in during your free time, or before and after your program.
On our community programs, the focus is on cultural topics, while on marine or wildlife programs the emphasis is more on the environmental element. Use your evenings and weekends to explore topics like local cuisine and religion, or how sustainable development challenges are affecting local contexts.
Festivals
February: Magha Puja is an important Buddhist holiday during which people make offerings at temples around the country.
April and May: Thailand’s New Year, also known as Songkran, is celebrated during April every year. It is a family-centred holiday, and many travel to their homes where they honour the older members of their extended families. They wash statues of Buddha, which represents good fortune and cleansing of the past before stepping into the new year. In May, Thai people celebrate Buddha’s birthday (also known as Visakha Puja). Community members gather at temples to give donations, listen to sermons, and chant prayers.
July to October: In July, many Buddhists celebrate Asalha Puja, which commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to his disciples. This starts the annual three-month retreat of the monks, known as Vassa. The retreat ends with a celebration called Wan Ok Phansa. This is marked in Northeast Thailand with illuminated boat processions filled with offerings and beautifully decorated with flowers, candles, and lamps.
September/ October: Also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival, the Thai Vegetarian Festival takes place in the 9th lunar month of the Chinese calendar, usually in September or October, and lasts for nine days. During this time members of the community abstain from eating meat, drinking alcohol and telling lies, in order to purify the body and mind. In the days leading up to the festival, the island is decorated with yellow Chinese flags. Phuket prepares for the festival by deep cleaning their shrines, setting up stages, hanging elaborate Chinese-inspired decorations and parade accessories. Dozens of vegetarian food stalls are set up and line the streets of Phuket Town. The festival is popular in towns and districts across Thailand, including Takuapa, where we celebrate.
November: Loi Krathong, the festival of a thousand lights, is celebrated in November. People set thousands of lanterns out on rivers and lakes around the country to pay their respects to the goddess of water, Ganga. It is a spectacular site that draws many international visitors each year.
Spirituality and religion
Most Thai people subscribe to Theravada Buddhism. There are many local Buddhist sites in the region of Phang Nga that you can visit to learn more about Buddhist customs. Travel to Wat Suwan Khuha to see the reclining Buddha or Wat Rat Uppatham to see a massive painted statue of Kuan Yin and Buddha rising out of the lush green countryside. In our local area you’ll find a mix of Thai, Chinese and Burmese Buddhism, which have their own temples and traditions. We are ideally located to experience all three.
Dancing
The fluid movements and opulent gilded costumes of Thai traditional dancing are recognisable worldwide. Learn about the six types of Thai classical dance, watch a performance, or maybe even attend a class where you can learn some traditional movements.
Cooking
Thai food is famous the world over and is known for its fragrant, spicy flavours. All participants receive cooking lessons from our local staff, so during your stay in Phang Nga you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to cook some authentic Southern Thai dishes. There will also be many opportunities to try different types of authentic Thai cuisine while out and about in your free time.
Phang Nga
Known for its amazing limestone rock formations, pristine beaches, and rich culture, Phang Nga is a pocket of paradise in Southern Thailand. Its beaches and islands offer many opportunities for spotting unique marine and terrestrial species. The community here is very traditional – making it possible to fully immerse yourself in traditional Thai culture.
Languages
There are about 71 languages in Thailand with five main families: Austronesian, Hmong-Mien, Thai, Mon-Khmer and Sino-Tibetan. Thai is the national language of Thailand which is spoken by approximately 80% of its population. The Thai language is incredibly complex. It is tonal and altogether there are five tones: mid, low, high, rising and falling. This means you can say the same word five different ways, and it will mean five different things! All participants receive Thai lessons and you can learn more about the language by mastering some basic conversational phrases with the local community members. Viewed as a gesture of respect, members of the community love it when visitors make the effort to speak Thai. The members of our community also speak Burmese.
Example Itinerary
Day 1-2: Say hello to Thailand
Your first night’s accommodation is pre-booked and can be shared room, dorm-style, or camping tents. The specific accommodation selected will differ based on the requirements of the group. At the accommodation, the group will have a chance to settle in and acclimatise to the humidity and heat, before meeting for an evening orientation session
Take the opportunity to see the sights and sounds of Bangkok. Bustling, loud and proud, Bangkok has everything to offer the senses! From marvelling at the gleaming temples to the splendour of the Grand Palace, there's so much to see and do, your only concern will be fitting everything in.
Day 3-6: Jungle adventure in Khao Yai National Park
An introduction to jungle trekking in Thailand with stunning scenery. You'll see some of Khao Yai's highlights, and very likely some amazing wildlife such as gibbons, hornbills and other birdlife, macaques, deer, and with some luck maybe even wild elephants.
Activities that are included on top of your jungle trekking experience can be a night safari drive, and you will visit some of Khao Yai's major highlights like waterfalls and viewpoints.
Day 7: Travel day
Travel back to Bangkok for your internal flight to Phuket. From here you will travel to Phang Nga, in southern Thailand where students will get involved in hands-on conservation efforts.
Day 8-12: Service work and reflection
Upon arrival in Phang Nga, you will enjoy an orientation tour of the surrounding area led by a GVI staff member or local guide. The group will then attend a welcome presentation hosted by the GVI team stationed in Ban Nam Khem. Learn a little about GVI and specifically about the conservation projects we run in southern Thailand. Ban Nam Khem is a small beach town that was affected by the 2004 tsunami. The area is known for its Buddhist culture and abundance of marine and wildlife.
During your service component, you will be immersed in various areas of conservation and environmental awareness. The projects involved are very much dependent on the needs on the ground and the time of the year: you may be involved in sea turtle nesting research and conservation, biodiversity surveying in nearby National Parks or involvement at the local turtle rehabilitation centre where you get the exciting chance to clean small turtles with toothbrushes, as well as beach cleans and environmental discussions with the local community and school groups.
In the evenings, students will have a group and individual reflection time. Here the day’s achievements will be discussed and plans put in place for the following day’s work.
Day 13-14: Cultural Immersion
The group will get the chance to experience the region with a trip to Phuket or one of the many beaches nearby or possibly to see the Khao Sok National Park, stunning Cheow Larn Lake or surrounding rainforests.
Other activities may include visiting a mangrove forest, a visit to a rubber plantation plot, which is a large part of the local economy in Southern Thailand, a local handicraft making session and a Thai cooking class.
Day 15: A Fond Farewell
GVI field staff transfer the team to the Phuket International airport and bid them a fond farewell! GVI will endeavour to keep the group informed of any updates there might be in the field and with particular reference to the projects the volunteers contributed to during their time in Thailand, through "GVI Live" on social media.
**Your trip can be extended to include additional side trips and/or further service work.
