Location: Wang Thong, Thailand

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks commitment.

Cost: 320 Euros per week - Includes all food, accommodation, 24/7 support, airport pickup and programme activities.

Travel: You will be met at Bangkok airport by a project representative, and taken by bus to start your placement.

Introduction

According to estimates of the World Wildlife Fund, in Thailand there are only between 2,000 and 3,000 elephants still living in the wild. This number is shrinking steadily, as wild elephants need to compete with villagers for land with casualties on both sides every year. At the same time, domesticated elephants roam throughout Thailand with their mahouts, begging for food in cities often by performing tricks for tourists.

During your time on the project, you'll be able to help Elephant Handlers as they take care of the elephants and to join them for their daily exercises. You will also learn about the place of elephants in the culture in Thailand, their needs and the social problems around it nowadays.


Daily Life

Daily chores include washing and feeding the elephants, learning some gardening and working with the people of the centre.
During the weekend, it is possible to go rafting in the river close by.

During the week, activities you can get involved with include;

Elephant Grooming: You can watch the Elephants being given a scrub-bath in the River and also watch how oil is applied on their forehead, tusks along with other aspects of Elephant grooming.

Elephant feeding: You can watch the food being prepared for the Elephants and see how they are fed.

Commands: The Mahouts (elephant handlers) will then demonstrate the various commands the Elephants can obey. This can be vividly portrayed by making Elephants perform some mock logging operations.


Additional information on the location:

Phitsunalok is one of the provinces located in the north of Thailand. Phitsanulok is located 380 km north of Bangkok. Some of the highlights in this area include the Pra Buddha Jinaraj (Chinarat) image at Wat Mahathat, an outstanding folklore museum, a Buddha factory, and night markets and floating restaurants on the Nan River. Another important plus is the complete absence of tourists, making Phitsanulok a refreshing change from the more popular destinations in central and northern Thailand.

Phitsanulok originally served as a Khmer outpost called Song Kwae before the Kwai Noi River changed its course in the 11th century. In the 15th century Phitsanulok was the seat of the Ayuthaya viceroy, who ruled the province of Sukothai.

Phitsanulok is highly regarded among the Thai people as the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, who governed the province 1569-84. A memorial to King Naresuan is located on the north side of the river on the grounds of the former Chandahana Palace.

Accommodation

Your new home will be jungle style cozy huts at our centre in Wang Thong, Phitsanulok province.

There is a small village about 2 kms from the centre and the nearest town (Wang Thong) is about 20 kms away, where you will find all the amenities you could need i.e. internet, shops, hospital, pharmacy, banks and restaurants.

During the whole duration of your stay you will stay in eco-style Thatch Huts with a shower and the water is always cool - nice and refreshing in the heat.  The house is within walking distance of a local shop.

All food is included during your stay. The meals will be typical Thai fare, including plenty of rice dishes. Vegetarian options available.


Requirements

* Min age 18
* Minimum 2 weeks commitment
* Basic English
* Full travel & medical insurance
* Necessary vaccinations
* Necessary flights & visas 

In order to guarantee your place on this project, you will need to pay a 20% non-refundable deposit (paid securely via Paypal). The remaining balance must be paid upon your arrival to the project. There is NO Commission added or Placement fee required.

Send us an email enquiry to find out more, or click the 'Join this Project' button below if you are ready to get involved.