1Travel the World. Make a Difference.Thailand Program

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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

Trip Checklist

Accommodations & Meals

Itinerary & Travel

Health & Climate

FAQ & Contact

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ELCOME TO BUILD ABROAD THAILAND

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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

Chad@buildabroad.org

+1 802 266 0155

Local Partner Email

phil@thegreenlion.net

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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