Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2018
Observed in early May, the exact date for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in Thailand is determined by monks each year, and this year the ceremony will be held on Monday 14th May. The site is, as always, Sanam Luang, in front of the Grand Palace on Rattanakosin island, and the ceremony is expected to take place between 08.19 and 08.49, as is traditional. This fascinating ritual is both Buddhist and Hindu in origin and is performed at a similar time of the year in several other countries in this part of the world, including Cambodia and Burma.<br />
Bangkok Volunteer Group #67: May, 2018
Presenting Bangkok Volunteer and Intern Group #67! A small group of two ladies from the Michigan, the USA and Nordhein-Westfalen, Germany. Alyssa is participating in our Medical Internship for six weeks, and Ann is participating in our Bangkok Orphanage Volunteer Project for three weeks. For additional information on our volunteer and intern opportunities, please visit our projects page. <br />
Chiang Mai Volunteer Group #239: May, 2018
Presenting Chiang Mai Volunteer and Intern Group #239! This group of six volunteers and interns arrived on Friday and completed orientation over the weekend. They started their projects on Monday. In this group four of the participants are from the US, with two from Denmark. They are participating in our Medical Internship, Children's Home, and Womens Empowerment Volunteer Projects. Please visit our projects page for more information on our different volunteer and intern opportunities.<br />
Up and Coming Projects
In line with the Thai school summer holidays, April is a quiet month regarding the actual projects, yet this means you get to experience the Thai New Year celebration of “Songkran”, which traditionally occurs between 13-15 of April, when the entire nation throws water over each other and generally have a good time. One of the best locations for water activities is Khao San Road, or KSR, as it is known on the backpacking trail, where the street is zoned off to vehicles and with everyone armed with their water guns and on foot, you are fair game when you enter the arena!<br />
Getting Experience Before Volunteering in Thailand
Here are some Good Ideas of ways to get experience in the area of your Thailand volunteer project, before you leave home. Much of this is from my own personal experience, along with some other tips that may be helpful.<br />
4 Top Reasons to Volunteer in Thailand on Your Career Break
Volunteering on Your Career Break: 4 Reasons Why You Should<br />
Chiang Mai Volunteer Group #238: March, 2018
Presenting Chiang Mai Volunteer Group #238! Now that the schools are closed for the Thailand school summer, our teaching projects are unavailable. This is a group of 8 new volunteers and interns from Spain, Denmark, the USA and the UK. They are participating in our Medical Internship, Magazine Internship, Single Mother's Home and Elephant Camp Volunteer Projects. This group completed orientation over the weekend and started in their projects on Monday.<br />
Exciting New Programs
Here at Friends for Asia, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities for our many volunteers from around the world. That is why we are so excited to announce the addition of two more volunteer programs to our offerings. Here's what you need to know. <br />
Volunteering with a Friend
Consider volunteering with a friend to see Thailand<br />
Make a Lasting Impact as a
Volunteer or Intern in Thailand
These projects provide authentic access to Thai communities, beyond typical tourist experiences. The connections formed while volunteering create lasting impacts, both for volunteers and the local people whose lives they touch.