Medical Volunteering in Thailand

I first dipped my toes into volunteering in 2017 when I took a position as a nurse in Skopje, North Macedonia with Project Hope.  (You can read about that here!).  While this has been my only experience with volunteering, I want to highlight other volunteer opportunities for nurses and medical professionals around the world.

I’ve visited Thailand twice spending ample time traveling through the country and I realized that there are tons of medical volunteer opportunities!  Unfortunately, there are people in Thailand who struggle to access basic medical care.  So, if you’re a nurse or medical professional reading this – take this as an opportunity to spend time volunteering in the country and then extending your stay so that you can experience the beauty of Thailand.

 

If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, don’t miss…

• The Best Packing List for Thailand
• Everything You Need to Know About Traveling to Thailand
• The Ultimate Thailand Bucket List
• Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Koh Lanta, Thailand
• Khao Lak to Similan Islands – A Complete Guide
• What You Need to Know About Visiting Khao Lak, Thailand
• The Best 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary
• The Ultimate Guide to Phuket, Thailand

 

Please note:  I’ve done my best to research and vet these companies.  Please be aware of scams when inquiring about volunteer positions.  Also, I do note condone certain types of volunteer work that hinders the community instead of helping the community.  I have strictly included these companies in this post because they are reputable companies and have an aspect of medical need.

 

Organizations to Volunteer with in Thailand

 

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL-MEDICAL INSURANCE WHEN TRAVELING ABROAD!  SEE WHY HERE AND HERE

 

1.  Doctors Without Borders

LOCATION:  PATTANI, YALA, & NARATHIWAT | VOLUNTEER HERE

Doctors Without Borders is a well-known NGO throughout the world that provides relief to communities in need.  Currently, Doctors Without Borders is working with local communities in Southern Thailand who are experiencing outbreaks of violence.  Doctors Without Borders treats survivors or those who are hesitant to seek assistance, with a focus on mental health support, psychosocial education, and stress management.  Doctors Without Borders also organizes activities to raise awareness of mental health issues and works with communities to prevent violent incidents.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum availability of 9 months (8-12 weeks for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OBGYN’s)
• Previous experience working in a low income setting
• 3 years of experience for nurses (2 years for doctors)
• Experience in a leadership role
• Ability to work and live with a diverse team

 

2.  International Medical Relief

LOCATION:  CHIANG MAI | VOLUNTEER HERE

International Medical Relief is a 501(c)3 non-profit that was founded in 2002 with the belief that healthcare should be accessible to everyone throughout the world.  Not only does International Medical Relief volunteer with local dentists and doctors within communities, but they also focus on providing education so that missions can be a success long after volunteers are gone.

International Medical Relief began their volunteer work in Thailand in 2015 with the goal of providing clinics and supplies to those in need.  While in Thailand, volunteers will treat the remote indigenous group Akha who live in the Chiang Rai mountains; along with treating orphans, refugees, and migrants from Myanmar.  There is a strong focus on women and infant care because Thailand is recovering from a high infant mortality rate.  While at clinic, you will be responsible for treating diarrhea, hepatitis, dengue fever, malaria, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, leptospirosis, HIV/AIDS, rabies, food and water borne illness, tuberculosis, and STDs.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

3.  Love Volunteers

LOCATION:  CHIANG MAI | VOLUNTEER HERE

Love Volunteers was started in 2009 by a brother and sister team wanting to bring down the cost of volunteering abroad.  Love Volunteers mission is to serve local communities in developing countries.  In Thailand, volunteers will be placed in Chiang Mai where you’ll be shadowing and assisting local doctors with basic tasks.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 1-week requirement
• 18+ years old
• Must be studying medicine, a current student, or a new grad from a medical program (doctors, nurses, dentists)
• Reference letter from a medical professional
• Letter of motivation
• Passport
• Background check
• Proof of vaccinations

 

4.  NEW HOPE International Volunteer

LOCATION:  SURIN | VOLUNTEER HERE

NEW HOPE International Volunteer is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that empowers disadvantaged communities through sustainable volunteer programs.  NEW HOPE is in 17 different countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Volunteers working with NEW HOPE will be placed in local hospitals, rural community clinics, and childcare centers.  You will assist the local doctors in daily activities including patient exams, dispensing medications & immunizations, treating minor injuries or wounds, education on health and sanitation, counseling patients, rural home visits, etc.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of professional license

 

5.  RCDP International Volunteer

LOCATION:  CHIANG MAI & SURIN | VOLUNTEER HERE

RCDP International Volunteer is a non-profit humanitarian organization that empowers disadvantaged communities in 18 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.  In Thailand, volunteers will be working in small clinics in remote areas.  Responsibilities include immunizations, health checks, and giving first aid.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of medical credentials

 

6.  Volunteering Solutions

LOCATION:  CHIANG MAI | VOLUNTEER HERE

Volunteering Solutions was founded in 2006 and has since connected over 21,000 volunteers to projects worldwide.  The company operates in over 25 countries, and offers 150+ programs in areas like childcare, healthcare, and conservation.  As a healthcare volunteer in Thailand, you will be shadowing a local doctor or nurse in order to get practical exposure to the local community and health needs.

Please note:  You do have to pay to volunteer with this program.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Letter of recommendation
• Resume, CV, statement of intent
• Current student or recent graduate
• 18+ years old

 

Thailand Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Thailand

 

If you feel called to work as a medical volunteer, Thailand is an incredible country to do so.  If you have any questions about traveling through Thailand or what to expect, let me know in a comment below!

 

For more medical volunteer opportunities in other countries, don’t miss…

• Medical Volunteering in the Philippines
• Medical Volunteering in Malaysia
• Medical Volunteering in Indonesia
• Medical Volunteering in Peru
• Medical Volunteering in Vietnam
• Medical Volunteering in Cambodia
• Medical Volunteering in Laos

 

Pin Me!

Disclosure:  This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you.  Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.