Travel the World.
Make a Difference.
Thailand
Program
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ELCOME TO BUILD ABROAD THAILAND
Thank you for choosing Build Abroad! We hope you are
excited about your upcoming trip to Thailand.
As you know, Build Abroad connects volunteers with construction projects in
developing countries. We feel volunteering is one of the best ways to make
a difference in the world. Aside from the physical accomplishments, our
construction volunteers bring home an insight about a different culture. During
your trip, we are confident you will have a blast exploring Thailand!
We have put together this packet of information so that you can be fully
prepared when you arrive overseas. It should be very informative, but if you have
any questions after reading it through, feel free to contact us!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Thailand & Airport Pickup
03
Trip Checklist
04
Accommodations & Meals
05
Itinerary & Travel
06
Health & Climate
07
FAQ & Contact
08
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A LITTLE ABOUT THAILAND
Thailand, officially the Kingdom of Thailand, formerly known as Siam, is a country at the center of
the Indochinese peninsula in Mainland Southeast Asia. Thai culture has been shaped by many
influences, including Indian, Lao, Burmese, Cambodian, and Chinese. Most of Thailand has a tropical
wet and dry or savanna climate and is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic islands along the
coast.
Thailand experienced rapid economic growth between 1985 and 1996, becoming a newly
industrialized country and a major exporter. Manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism are leading
sectors of the economy. Among the ten ASEAN countries, Thailand ranks third in quality of life and
the country’s HDI is rated as “high”. Its large population and growing economic influence have made
it a middle power in the region and around the world.
49% of Thailand’s labor force is employed in agriculture. This is down from 70% in 1980. Rice is the
most important crop in the country and Thailand had long been the world’s leading exporter of rice,
until recently falling behind both India and Vietnam.
AIRPORT PICKUP INFORMATION
Before you leave you will need to send us your flight information. Upon your arrival, a staff member
from Build Abroad’s partner organization will meet you in person at the Bangkok (BKK) airport inside
at Gate 4. They will have the words “Green Lion” on a posterboard so you can identify them.
If for some reason there is any problem meeting with the representative, please call or take a taxi
directly to:
The Green Lion Thailand (Sing Buri)
40 / 1 Moo 4 Soi 12
Tambon Vihan Khao
Tha Chang district
Sing Buri 16140
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 36 – 521619 (office hours)
Transfer Coordinator: Korn - Mobile: +66 (0) 98 263 9052
Emergency: Phil McGovern - Mobile: +66 (0) 86 001 2838
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TRIP CHECKLIST
Before you leave
Fill out our online form with passport number, flight information, etc.
Make sure your passport is up to date
Background check at your local police department or online. (Required)
Print off a copy of your passport and contact info for a friend/family member
What to pack
Build Abroad Packet
Passport
Background Check
Tee Shirts
Tank Tops
Pants
Shorts
Rain Gear
Comfortable Hiking Shows/Boots
Sandals
Sunglasses
Hat
Day Pack
Camera
Water Bottle
Bathroom Kit
Sunscreen
Bug Repellent
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ACCOMMODATIONS & MEALS
Build Abroad provides all accommodations for our program participants. Living accommodations during
the week will be in dorm style volunteer housing.
Wifi access is available throughout the volunteer housing.
Local Thai food is provided two times a day for participants. Rice, noodles and fruit are staples in
Thailand. A typical meal will comprise of these foods with vegetables and sometimes meat or eggs. In
addition to the food, there will be fresh coffee and filtered water for drinking.
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
Your dorm is equipped with 24-hour electricity (220V). To operate small U.S. and European appliances
(like phones, hairdryers, and electric shavers) you may need a voltage converter. To avoid damage to
your electronic appliances, be sure to check each appliance for acceptable voltages before you plug
them in.
The following plugs will work in most Nepalvi homes and hostels:
Type A: Flat blade plug. (Usually known as the American Plug)
Type B: Flat blade plug with a ground
Type C: Round pin plug. (Usually known as the European Plug)
DRUGS & ALCOHOL
The drinking age in Thailand is 20 years old. Volunteers are allowed to consume alcohol during our trips
while they are not working. You will need to be respectful of your host family, as some of them do not
allow alcohol in the house. Alcohol consumption before volunteer work will not be allowed.
Illegal drug use of any kind is also strictly prohibited. If you are found to be using drugs on the trip, you
will be immediately removed from the program without refund.
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SAMPLE ITINERARY
Volunteering takes place during the week, Monday through Friday. Your first week will be an optional
cultural immersion week.
Typical Day: Volunteers will work a morning shift and a shorter afternoon shift with a lunch break in
between. A typical day is as follows:
8:00 AM – Travel to job site to build after having breakfast at the dorms.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM– Morning shift ends and volunteers have their lunch break.
3:00 PM – Work day ends and volunteers are free until dinner.
7:00 PM – Dinner at volunteer headquarters
NOTE: This schedule may vary
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Wat Phikun Thong
Wat Phikun Thong is a famous monestary that houses Thailand’s largest
sitting Buddha statue at 23 meters wide and 42 meters high, made of
concrete and decorated with gold mosaic.
Wat Sai
Wat Sai is a very ancient Buddhist temple in the Buri province. Banyan tree
roots anchor the temple walls and is a must see if you are in the area.
Bangkok
Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, is a sprawling metropolis known for its ornate
shrines and vibrant street life. Nearby is Wat Pho with its enormous reclining
Buddha and, on the opposite shore, Wat Arun with its steep steps.
Ko Samet
Just 200 kilometers from Bangkok in the Gulf of Thailand, the T-shaped island
of Ko Samet is famed for its white sandy beaches, exotic coral and crystal
clear waters.
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HEALTH
Thailand poses some small health risks that can be avoided by taking some simple precautions.
1. Water
Do not drink tap water unless it has been boiled, treated with iodine, or purified. (This includes ice cubes
or anything that has come into contact with untreated water, such as raw vegetables washed in tap
water.)
2. Sun and Heat
Sunburns ruin more trips than any other dangers you are likely to face in Thailand. Because of
elevations and proximity to the equator you can burn very quickly. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and
hats to be safe. Our partner organization keeps a number of medications and first-aid supplies on
hand at its office. We are more than happy to help treat minor cuts, scratches, headaches and stomach
issues. For more serious illnesses, we will be able to get you to a doctor in the area.
3. Insects
You should always wear insect repellent, long sleeve shirts, and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
You should consider getting a vaccination against yellow fever and consult a doctor about a malaria
prophylactic such as doxicycline.
CLIMATE
Temperatures normally range from an average annual high of 38 °C (100.4 °F) to a low of 19 °C (66.2 °F).
During the dry season, the temperature rises dramatically in the second half of March, spiking to well
over 40 °C (104 °F) in some areas by mid-April when the sun passes its zenith.
Southwest monsoons that arrive between May and July (except in the south) signal the advent of the
rainy season. This lasts into October and the cloud covering reduces the temperature again, with the
high humidity experienced as ‘hot and sticky’. November and December mark the onset of the dry
season and night temperatures on high ground can occasionally drop to a light frost. Temperatures
begin to climb again in January.
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FAQs
Do I have to know Thai?
Speaking Thai is not required for a trip to Thailand but a basic understanding of the language is helpful.
Basic Thai phrases and words will be taught during orientation as well.
Will there be other volunteers with me?
Yes. The numbers vary from week to week. You can expect several other construction volunteers to be
participating in the program at the same time as you. In addition to the construction volunteers, there
will be even more people doing other work with our partner organization. You can rest assured that you
will meet a lot of fun, unique people during your time with Build Abroad.
CONTACT
Build Abroad wants to make this experience as enjoyable as possible leading up to your trip as well as in
Thailand. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed in this package, dont hesitate to
contact us by phone or email.
Build Abroad Thailand Contact
Chad Johnson
[email protected]
+1 802 266 0155
Local Partner Email
[email protected]
The Green Lion Thailand (Sing Buri)
40 / 1 Moo 4 Soi 12
Tambon Vihan Khao
Tha Chang district
Sing Buri 16140
Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 36 – 521619 (office hours)
Transfer Coordinator: Korn - Mobile: +66 (0) 98 263 9052
Emergency: Phil McGovern - Mobile: +66 (0) 86 001 2838
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